Kelly Churko

On Monday, January 13th, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer, Kelly Churko gently passed away at age 36.  Kelly was born and raised in Moose Jaw.  After he graduated from A.E. Peacock Collegiate, he moved to Vancouver to continue his studies in music and pursue his love of the arts.  He spent 10 years in his adopted homeland of Japan where he became fluent in Japanese.  He taught English and composed and performed the music he loved for which he became internationally renowned in the “Noise” genre.  After he received his diagnosis in June of 2010, Kelly came home and blessed his family and friends with warm memories from his remaining years.  He carried the prairies with him in his heart as he traveled, and he will continue to reside in the hearts of those who loved him.  He was predeceased by his grandparents, Kazimer and Pauline Churko; grandfather, Charlie Stevenson; uncles Ambrose and Victor; and stepbrother, Bohdan Sabourin.  Kelly is survived by his grandmother, Elsie Langhorne; his mother, Bonnie and stepfather, Glenn Watson; his father, Roman and stepmother, Melanie Churko; his sister, Kim (children: Treal and Alethia Stafford); his brothers: Kevin (Kemnay, children: Kane and Khloe), Cory (Jody), and Casey; his stepbrothers, Neesham (Kaori) and Kody (Kory) Sabourin; and stepsister, Marlain (Hughie, children: Jackson and Ryker) Watson-Jennings; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and his many friends at home and throughout the world.  A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held on Thursday, January 16th, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. in Minto United Church, 1036 7th Ave. N.W., Moose Jaw, SK.  Pastor Marvin Seaborg will officiate.  Kelly and his family were enormously appreciative of the services, equipment and diligent care from the staff of the Five Hills Access Palliative Care Program and donations in Kelly’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation for Palliative Care, 455 Fairford St. E., Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada S6H 1H3, so that they can continue to help those suffering from cancer and their families.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.