Sidor Family Histories

Irene Donna (Sidor) Gaudet

I was born in Vegreville, Alberta on January 30, 1959, the youngest child of George and Lillian Sidor. My earliest memories center around family – Baba and Gido Sidor’s farm; Baba and Gido Tupechka’s farm and all the cousins and uncles and aunts visiting; Christmas and Easter; and grave-side services at Provoda.

Irene 1961 - What a cute kid!

One of my most vivid memories was one summer when Brian and Brenda were visiting on summer holidays and staying with Baba and Gido. Ann was there also and the four of us would get into soooo much trouble! Poor Baba! There we were, exploring the bush and we found a bee’s nest. Of course, Brian had to poke it with a big stick. Brenda went running back to ‘tell’ and got off lucky because both Brian and I got stung. That same visit, we got into a huge fight – with Brenda and myself at the top of the chicken coop and Brian and Ann below. Don’t know how it started, but we started throwing things – first it was straw and small sticks, suddenly it was dried manure. We had the advantage of high ground and the fight ended when I hit Brian - in the mouth. Lots of fun also hiding in the bales – well until you got stuck in a hole, clear up to your butt! Was Uncle Walter ever mad when he found out what a mess we made of the bales!

Growing up, Dad was trucking in Willingdon and I remember what a treat it was to be able to go to Edmonton with him – and then we could get supper from the truck canteen.

Irene 1963 at our home in Willingdon

I began school at age 5 in Willingdon – I said that I had just made it – my birthday was just before the age cut-off! I don’t remember a lot about school there, but I do remember one special Christmas concert – I think it was grade 2 – when I was the emcee for the concert. Mom was especially proud of me and brought me a special outfit just for the concert.

In 1968, we moved to Vegreville, where I began grade 5. I love of reading really showed through that year, as I remember a list of over 100 book reports that year. In Vegreville, I also started my ‘performing’ career as many family members may remember ‘Casey at the Bat’. I continued my love of reading and learning and graduated with honours at the top of my class in 1976 from Vegreville Composite High. I began university that fall in the faculty of Science and graduated with a B.Sc. in Biology, the first in my family to graduate from university.

University years were full – besides studying, spent lots of time with Ann and friends and roommates Beryl and Cheryl Walker. It strengthened the friendship Ann and I had though our childhood. Today, I am still happy to call her my best friend.

Best friends always - Ann and Irene

I began my working career in the aquatic biology labs at the Alberta Environmental Center. After Amanda was born, I joined the Microbiology lab where I have remained for most of my working career as a research lab technician. In 2006, I was proud to receive my 25 year service pin.

I married Paul Gaudet in 1980 and together we had two wonderful children, Amanda Joelyn on December 7, 1981 and Alexander Micheal on March 7, 1986. Paul and I later separated and were divorced.

Amanda and Alex spent a lot of years in Ukrainian dancing.

Amanda and Alex were fortunate to have Baba and Gido Sidor as after-school sitters for many years. They learnt many things from them – how to fish and spent a lot of the summer boating and camping with them; how to write pysanky and make Easter paska; and above all, the importance of family.

Amanda after convocation in 2005

Amanda was always active – playing Ringette for many years and learning how to skate so well, that she often would beat the boys when they were skating at school! She also began Ukrainian dancing in Grade 1 and continued for many years, even coming back to dance when she was in her first year of university. Amanda was also active in the Ukrainian Bilingual program in school and proudly competed in many competitions at the Pysanka Festival. In 1998, Amanda was selected as the Rotary Exchange student for Vegreville and spent her Grade 11 year in Scotland. It was a wonderful opportunity and she still has many friends as well as her ‘Scottish family’ with whom she still keeps contact. Amanda graduated from Vegreville Composite High in 1999 and began university that fall. She graduated with an education degree and is presently a substitute teacher with Elk Island Public school system.

Amanda and Nathan and their wedding party

Amanda married Nathan Allan Skarupa on May 28, 2005 in a very unique Lord of the Rings themed wedding. The wedding party and many of the guests enjoyed the ‘dress up’ immensely and it made a memorable event for all. Amanda and Nathan presently make their home in Edmonton.

Nathan and Amanda 2006

Alex also began dancing early – in kindergarten. When he saw Amanda’s new slippers for dancing, he said, “Where are mine? I want to dance, too!” Alex turned into an exceptional athlete in school, winning many track and field events so that his teachers convinced him to compete at a higher level. He won many, many medals at various levels, including a silver at Legion Nationals and a bronze medal at Canadian Juniors as a decathlete. Alex moved to Edmonton to train and conclude his schooling, graduating from Harry Ainlay High School in 2004. He is presently working in Edmonton and continuing his training and schooling.

Alex on the podium at Legion Nationals

I began working as a track official while sitting on the sidelines watching Alex compete, but found I loved doing it. I am presently certified as a throws official at the national level and it has led to some very interesting events. I officiated at the Senior Nationals in Winnipeg and was very active at the World Masters Games in Edmonton in 2005.

Irene with masters competitor Trent, 2005.

In 2006, I sold the home in Vegreville where Amanda, Alex and, in a sense, I grew up. I’ve continued my active work within the union and have also set up a web design business, which I hope will be my income and my activity when I finally retire. I have also been blessed to have found someone who shares my many interests and now include Bob Hooey as one of my family.

Irene and Bob

From my parents, my grandparents, and my numerous extended family, I have learnt the value of family and belonging and am proud to be a part of the extended Labatiuk family.