Born Peter Chernecki, Pat Pender grew up
in Sclater, just north of Pine River,
MB. He was the second 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 (tsymbaly)
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
Kolemeyka”, “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”
2003 Ukrainian Musicians Association Hall
of Fame Inductee