Eugene Poholka

Eugene is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, son Michael (Gillian), granddaughter Madeline, son Leonard, his sister Joan, brother Allan (Myrna), his Auntie Maria, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Mary, his brother James, and other relatives.

Eugene grew up on a farm 2 miles west of Ellerslie, in the South Edmonton district. He attended Rabbit Hill School and Salisbury High School. He started playing fiddle at age 17. By 1964, he was playing at dances, and he won the CFCW Gold Fiddle Contest twice! He played dances for over 60 years, the final one being on April 12th.

On September 26th, 1964, Eugene was the backup fiddler at Len McDonald's regular Saturday night dance in Wye Hall when he spotted Norma and told the guys that he was going to marry her! They married less than 11 months later.

Eugene had a teaching certificate and taught at Mill Creek School in Edmonton for 2 years. He then got his degree in 1968. In January of '68 Eugene and Norma made a deal on a half section southwest of Breton. For the whole month of May they toured the Hawaiian islands to celebrate his graduation from the UofA. He then taught at Grouard starting in September, and their first son, Michael, was born in November.

In 1969, they moved to Breton and he taught at the High School for a year, then the Elementary School for 25 years, retiring as the Principal in 1995.

In 1974, Eugene and Norma bought their first purebred Herefords. In 2025, they received their 50-year membership pin. Their son, Leonard, joined the operation (known as Breton West Herefords) full-time in 1992. Eugene's abilities to build and fix all sorts of things were integral to the enterprise. He was skilled at growing and making hay, and he still commanded the hay making last year!

Starting in 2003, Eugene taught fiddle lessons regularly in Leduc and elsewhere until April 2026. He loved combining his passions of teaching and playing the fiddle. He took pride in teaching the proper technique to hold and move the bow, as well as helping students learn to play songs that they know and enjoy.

Eugene touched the lives of so many people and he will really be missed. By his request, there won't be a funeral. There may be a Celebration of Life featuring his students and fellow musicians in a few months.

Thanks to the paramedics, the doctors and nurses at the Drayton Valley Hospital, and to Dr. Cheryl Laforest at the chiropractic clinic in Drayton Valley.

Arrangements in care of Colleen Sekura and Keara Grover, Drayton Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services, 5029-48 Street, Drayton Valley, AB. 587 673-1688

It is a great honour for us to be entrusted with Eugene's care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and love remain with his family members as well as her friends during this extremely difficult time.