Victor Pukas

August 10, 1935 - May 31, 2020
In Loving Memory ~ Born to John and Vera Pukas in the summer of 1935, Vic was raised on the family's farm in Wynyard, Saskatchewan. As one of 8 kids, there were many adventures and never a dull moment when they were up to mischief. The family's move to Creston, BC led Vic to meeting Julia Popovich, and it was there that his world was to change, and our 'Pukas Family' began.
Vic and Julia moved to Calgary - Tracey arrived in 1964 and Lori joined the family in 1971. His hard work and determination had him leading as top salesperson in Alberta with Cooperators Insurance in 1970-1971.
Always thinking on his feet and wanting more for his family, a move was made to Salmon Arm, BC in 1973 where Vic began building a home and started Cast-All Concrete - a precast concrete company. Cast-All would be a cornerstone for decades to come, providing precast products to both local and provincial contractors.
Vic was a phenomenal businessman with the ability to juggle multiple business transactions at one time, yet always taking time to talk to the customer that walked through the door.
Vic always gave his time to both his family and his community. He was very involved with 4-H and the Salmon Arm Fall Fair. Many local youth sports teams were sponsored by Cast-All Concrete, and he took great pride watching both Tracey and Lori excel in so many of those shared activities.
He enjoyed playing hockey and slow-pitch, coaching softball, snowmobiling, hunting and trail riding. His love of animals extended decades on his various hobby farms.
From raising horses and elk, Canada geese, rabbits, llamas and miniature horses, Vic's animals remained a large focus throughout his life.
Vic loved being with his numerous nephews and nieces and he loved seeing them obtaining their goals and bettering themselves and their families. Tracey and Lori blessed Vic with his 5 cherished grandchildren - Magdalena, Christian, Levi, Jaymie and Jesse. He taught them all a great love for adventures; to be generous and kind; to take pride in everything they did - big or small; and to respect both themselves and those around them.
The grandkids have so many fond memories of Grandpa Vic! From dirt and toboggan hills, tag or hide and seek in the hay bales, shooting marmots and beer cans, losing gracefully at checkers, or learning how to drive a quad or a tractor, Grandpa was always ready to go.
Victor was a man who gave of himself. Whether it was to help a neighbor with fencing, pulling a stranger's vehicle out of a ditch or giving the last $20 in his pocket....he gave of himself. He gave his TIME. To his children, his grandchildren, his family, his neighbors and his friends.
He will live on in the stories he told and the adventures we shared with him. May we all learn to live our lives to the fullest in the same way Dad did!
Forever in our hearts, Papa Bear - now and always.
Tracey, Lori, Maggie, Christian, Levi, Jaym & Jess XOXO
Interment will be held on Sunday October 10th 2021 at 11 am at the Shuswap Memorial Cemetery. Celebration of Life to follow at 2 pm at the Salmon Arm Elks Hall.
Online condolences may be sent to Vic's family through his obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com