Roger Stephen Chychota

Roger Stephen Chychota passed away peacefully at the Bethany Continuing Care Home in Didsbury, Alberta, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 81 years.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Donna (née Flammond) Chychota in November 2014; his son, Glenn in March 2019; his daughter-in-law, Kim (née Willcock) in January 2016; his brother, Norm, in March 2020; his mother, Anne (née Rolla), in May 2012; and his father, Peter, in March 2003.

Left to mourn and cherish fond memories are his children, daughter, Michelle Chita and her husband Brian of Didsbury, AB; son, James Chychota and his wife Julie (née Dueck) of Rosenort, MB; grandchildren, Stephen Chychota and his wife Nicole (née McLeod), Sean Chychota; Breanne Chita, Joshua Chita, Nathan Chita and his wife Allison (née Fuller); and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Roger was born on November 4, 1943, in the R.M. of Dauphin, MB on the family farm near Sifton, where his parents, Peter and Anne Chychota, raised him and his older brother, Norman. Roger attended Sifton School, MacKenzie School in Dauphin, and then obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, followed by a Master of Science in Farm Economics, from the University of Manitoba.

While working on his master’s thesis, he met his wife Donna in Russell, Manitoba. They married on January 29, 1966. Their son Glenn was born ten months later in November, and they lived in St. Norbert, Manitoba. His daughter Michelle was then born in 1969, and his son James in 1971.

The enthusiasm Roger inherited for Parkland farming soon led him to move his family back to Dauphin then eventually the Sifton area, where he settled them a mile away from his parents’ house. Roger was industrious: not only was he the Manitoba Department of Agriculture’s Director of the Northwest Region, but he grain-farmed as well. He passed on that love of farming the land to his son Glenn.

Roger also found time to sit on the board of the Credit Union for a number of years. He had a love for curling which he passed on to his son James. As the President of Selo Ukraina, Roger was instrumental in launching Dauphin’s Countryfest, Canada's longest running country music festival; he served as its first Director. His grandson Stephen continued in his footsteps and has been on the board of Dauphin’s Countryfest. Furthermore, Roger arranged for the Black Hills Passion Play to be performed at the Selo Ukraina site for two seasons—and he even acted in it! After his retirement from the Department of Agriculture, he represented the Government of Canada in Ukraine to help develop modern farming after the fall of the USSR.

When the Chychotas returned to Canada from Ukraine, Donna proposed that she and Roger start up a petting zoo for their grandchildren. A handful of goats promptly joined their farm. However, with his business acumen, Roger could not resist turning it into a profitable venture: before long, they ended up with a massive operation, including a couple of “guard llamas” for good measure. Spending time with the goats when visiting Papa and Grandma became a highlight for all the grandchildren.

Roger and Donna eventually sold the farm in Sifton and moved back into Dauphin. They escaped the harsh Manitoba winters by flocking to Ranchero Village in Weslaco, Texas, along with many other “snowbirds.” They enjoyed the companionship of their dear dog, Sasha, as they filled their leisure time with golfing, canasta, shuffleboard, RV camping at Lake of the Prairies, surrounded by family and friends.

Not long after Donna passed away of cancer in 2014, Roger developed a type of Lewy body dementia. He spent the last six years at Bethany Continuing Care Home in Didsbury, Alberta, in close proximity to his daughter and her family. We would like to offer a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at the Bethany Continuing Care Home for the excellent care given to Dad. Also, a very big thank-you to a special friend, Josie (aka Sofie), who helped our family so much by spending time with Dad playing crokinole, watching Gaithers videos, chatting, going for walks, and being the highlight of his days in Didsbury.

In accordance with Roger’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A service will be held on April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain View Christian Assembly, 525 Whitmore Ave E in Dauphin, Manitoba. Pastor Scott Allen will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Roger may be made to Bethany Care Foundation, “support Didsbury” (https://bethanycarefoundation.com/donate/).