Pat Pender

1910 to 1950. 

Born Peter Chernecki, Pat Pender grew up in Sclater, North of Pine River, MB. He was the 2nd youngest of eight children and as recalled by his older brother, built his own violin from scrap material, and a bow from a tree branch and horse’s tail when he was only seven years of age. 

Inspired by his local musician mentors. Bardanovich and Batanchuck, Pat would play his violin during recess rather than play with the other children at school. He and his brother Anthony, who played cymbaly performed at numerous dances and weddings.

Once Pat arrived in Winnipeg, he made his living solely by playing violin. In 1945, he formed the band “Pat Pender and His Happy Lenders”. They had a regular radio program over CKJS in Saint Boniface, Manitoba. The band played throughout Manitoba.

Many people today still recall listening to his music and hearing him play his own composition and theme song, “The Wizards Reel”.

Pat died tragically during the 1950 Winnipeg flood after suffering a reaction to the typhoid fever inoculation. His music survives as his nephews Cam and Mickey recorded a tribute to their uncle, entitled “Ukrainian and Old Time Folk Dances” which has several of Pat's own compositions on it such as “Pat’s Kolomeyka”, “Chernecki’s Polka” and a “Happy Lenders Polka”.

Pat Pender’s music echoed the dance halls throughout the great era. His music will live forever.

A Ukrainian legend.

“Vichnaya Pamyat”