Andrew Suknaski, aged 69 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012.  Andy was an important prairie writer, whose realistic poetry was rich in an understanding of the land and its people of many cultures.  He inspired a generation of writers with his own poetry and publishing of many others.  Andy is the subject of a NFB film “Wood Mountain Poems”, named after his most famous book.  In 1979, he won the Canadian Authors Association Poetry Award for “The Ghosts Call You Poor”.  Andy was honored with a life membership in the League of Canadian Poets.  In 2000, he was honored by the Saskatchewan Provincial Council for his extraordinary contribution to the development of Saskatchewan and the Ukrainian Community.  He was a Nation Builders Award recipient.  In 2006, he was honored at the Saskatchewan Festival of Words with a luncheon to launch the 30th anniversary edition of Wood Mountain Poems.  Andy will be remembered by his dear sister, Sophia Demjanew; niece, Marilyn Jessop; nephew, Mark Lee; and other relatives.  He leaves many friends and fellow poets to remember him through his writings and visual art.  Andy will be especially missed by his friends, Marlene and Mr. Papiak.  Cremation has taken place and interment will take place in Wood Mountain, SK.  A celebration of Andy’s life will be held in Moose Jaw at a later date.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Jeff Ofstie, Funeral Director. 693-4550.