
Cherewaty, Ewhen Michal 'Gene' 'Eugene'
September 15th, 1943 – January 7th, 2025
It is with immense love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Ehwen ‘Gene’ ‘Eugene’ Cherewaty, at the Meaford Hospital, Ontario, where he was surrounded by the care and love of his close family.

Gene is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Renia Cherewaty (nee Jakalski), who brought immense joy, love, and companionship to his life.
His memory will be forever cherished by his children, Matthew, Jennifer, Sara, and Ryan Cherewaty, as well as his kind and generous daughter-in-law Kelly French (partner of Matthew), and sons-in-law Eddy Hofbauer (partner of Jen) and Derek Piper (fiancé of Sara). He is fondly remembered by his grandchildren Cassidy, Willow, and Trent Cherewaty, Finn Hofbauer, and Marley Piper.
Gene discovered his true calling and passion as a dentist, caring deeply for his patients over many years. He proudly served his community in his original practice in Oshawa, Ontario, and later continued to provide compassionate care at his semi-retired practice in Meaford, Ontario.
Gene also enjoyed giving back to the Meaford community, where he was an active member of the Rotary Club. He took great pride in contributing to local initiatives, supporting the community, and fostering connections with those around him.
In his semi-retirement and full retirement, Gene fulfilled a lifelong dream of living on a farm in the Meaford countryside, where he lovingly tended to a variety of animals, including his pig, Charlotte. Later, he settled in Thornbury, Ontario, where he continued to enjoy life near the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay.
Gene found great joy sailing his beloved boat, Basha, across the serene waters of Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay, connecting with family and finding peace and adventure in every journey.
A celebration of Gene’s dedicated and memorable life will take place in the spring or summer, with details to be announced at a later date.
Gene’s love, wisdom, and spirit will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know and love him. May he rest in serenity.
In 1994, Gene received the gift of life with a kidney transplant, required due to his polycystic kidney disease. As your expression the family kindly requests donations be made in Gene’s memory to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation to support continued research for this condition would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Ewhen Michal 'Gene' 'Eugene' Cherewaty
Donations: Polycystic Kidney FoundationDonate with the following link(s)
https://www.endpkd.ca/
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
So sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. I haven’t seen him for some time but have fond memories.May he rest in peace.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Dear , Matt, Jen, Sara, Ryan & Families. Sending condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. Love Mike ,Sonya & Family
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Walt and I were his buddies since early high school. We knew him as Hank!
Lots of good times and lived through some challenges together too.
Geri and I visited him and Renia at farm where he had Ukrainian names for his beasts.
Loved the guy.
Bob and Geri Stelmach
Sunday, January 12, 2025
I worked with Dr. Cherewaty as a Hygienist for 10 years, 1983 to 1993. He was the best Dentist in Durham Region. His Dentistry was top notch and he was a perfectionist for sure. As a Dental Assistant Student , I was trained in his Practice in 1979 with the help of Susanne Harney, who was his Dental Assistant at the time. Later in 1980, Susanne and I were classmates in Dental Hygiene at Durham College. I got to know his children over the ten years and he was so proud of them. He loved sailing and classical music. Everyone was so relieved when Gene found out that there was a perfect match for a Kidney Replacement. He certainly got several decades of extended life, …quality life with the gift of that Kidney…Rest in Peace Eugene Michael…I wont forget your Laughter or the time spent working together..You taught me a lot.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Hi Bev,
I remember you well!
You worked so hard for my Dad…thank you for all those years of dedication and for this kind message.
Much appreciated,
Jen
Friday, January 17, 2025
Hi Bev,
I sure remember you! Thank you so much for the kind words about our dad. As kids, we spent a lot of time at the “office” watching the work you and he did.
Thanks again,
Sara Cherewaty
Monday, January 13, 2025
We wish to offer our most sincere condolences to Renia and to Matt, Jennifer, Sarah and Ryan and their families on the loss of a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
We were neighbours of Gene and Renia on 15/16 Sideroad for most of the time they lived on the farm. Gene did love his menagerie of animals….they were all like family to him! He also loved driving his John Deere tractor and cutting vast amounts of grass.
We have fond memories of gathering together with the other neighbours for dinner and lengthy (sometimes heated!) discussion on many topics following the annual “Shearing of the Llamas and Alpacas” event! Maria & Davey’s lasagna was always a feature on the menu! Gene and Renia often hosted the neighbours for a potluck meal with them and their family over the Christmas period.
You will all miss him greatly!
Wes and Fionnuala Sparling
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. We had so many good times when sailing with him and friends. Spending time with him will always be remembered. He was a special guy. Hank was one friend that will be missed by me. I wish all of his family my condolences.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I worked for Gene for 18 great years. It was a fabulous office and thoroughly enjoyed my working life there. Gene taught me all I knew as I joined the office not knowing a molar from a bicuspid! It was a fun office, and over the years Gene took his staff to many fabulous famous shows. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing. My heartfelt condolences to Reina and his children, he was a good man and will be missed very much. May you Rest in Peace Gene. And peace and strength to his wife and children. . Joan Flood