LEN HUNCHAK

Condolences & Memories (30 entries)

• Dear Lisa and family, I was deeply shocked and saddened at Len's passing. I have known him since he was thirteen years old.I booked him for many concerts at the Sharon Home from his teens and up to very recently. I now live at The Shaftsbury where he has performed many times. Everyone misses him, especially me; we always looked forward to his concerts. He always had a most appreciative audience. My deepest sympathies to you and your family................Sara Hochman - Posted by: Sara Hochman (dear friend) on: Jan 24, 2013

• Just wanted to say Thank-You Len for being my RCM representative for the past two years. You gave me a cheeful smile every time I walked through the door, and you made my nerves go away before each piano exam! You were always ready with a joke and encouragement before and after my exam, and I will always remember that. Thanks Len, for being an encouragement for the musicians of the future. - Posted by: Hannah () on: Dec 01, 2012

• My sincere condolences to Lisa and Brent for the sudden passing of Len. I enjoyed working with Len at the Royal Conservatory of Music Examination Centres. He was always passionate about his work. Len was a superb accordionist and performed a variety of music and Scandinavian folk tunes at several family events. I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with Len! - Posted by: Marlene Dahl (Friend and Colleague) on: Nov 28, 2012

• Len, you had so much patience and were always so encouraging! You loved what you did and poured all of that into your students, friends, family and community. You had so much excitement teaching me a great accordion german repertoire for my grandparent's 50th anniversary when I was only 10! And building the courage up within me. You impacted not only me, but my entire family, and seeing you at Gasthaus for them was always such a treat. We'll miss you dearly. God bless and peace with you. Love, Adrienne - Posted by: Adrienne Hyde-Sawatsky (Student and felt like family) on: Nov 26, 2012

• I was sad to hear about Len. Len was a music teacher to myself as a young adult for organ lessons. He taught all 3 of my sons with piano lessons and guitar lessons. He even helped my youngest get started with drum lessons. We all still play our instruments. Len started us all on our music journeys. Rhonda Usunier - Posted by: Rhonda Usunier () on: Nov 22, 2012

• What a shock this was. Len was a big part of my life, along with wife/teacher, Lisa. I spent many years employed by him and enjoyed spending time treated as "part of the family"! My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. - Posted by: Leanne Bremault (nee Baekeland) (student/employee/babysitter/friend) on: Nov 22, 2012

• My deepest Sympathy To Lisa and Hunchak family. Len was what a true musician was able to live, make many people happy with his playing of music. He will be missed by the German speaking community and all his people. In life it is always too soon, but with the Faith we will see him again. As a person and as a musician Len was just pure class, which drew people to him because they knew he was someone everyone wanted to be with. As we say goodbye to Len from this world many have wonderful cherished memories of Len in their heart that will live on. - Posted by: Franz Unger (Friend/music colleague) on: Nov 19, 2012

• Len was one of the best entertainers we ever had for seniors! He was a musician and a story teller. His gentle heart made everyone who attended feel like his special friend. He wanted to please his customers, and did his utmost to make each performance as tailor made as he could to the audience! He will be greatly missed at Lindenwood Manor and Terrace. - Posted by: Elaine (hired him for Entertainment) on: Nov 19, 2012

• We were so sorry to hear about Len's passing ... we offer our deepest condolences to you Lisa and Brent ... we only hear Len play a few times, but they were memorable .... - Posted by: Claude and Marguerite Fouillard and Family () on: Nov 18, 2012

• Len, it was our great pleasure to have met you at the Gasthaus where we first heard your music. Following Ukrainian tradition, we hired you to play at the door for our two sons weddings....one at Gateway community club and the other at Luigi's. Your music was phenomenal and will always remain in our hearts. We were shocked to hear of your passing. Our condolences to the family. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Duane & Jeanette Johnston (acquaintances) on: Nov 17, 2012

• I am saddened to hear of Len's passing. I came to Len as a late in life student. Len was so encouraging. My time with him was filled with music, laughs and stories. I remember coming over to tell Len & Lisa how to install their laminate flooring. Len would stop in at my bookstore long after I stopped lessons, just to say Hi and encourage me to never close the door on music. I never got to tell Len that his friendship and teaching were the music that would play on forever. I regret that I didn't. Later today I'll dig my accordian out from under the bed in the spare room and torture the notes one more time. And remember how once a week you told me "it doesn't sound that bad". RIP Len you were one of the greats. - Posted by: Brad Torgerson (former student) on: Nov 17, 2012

• Len, I have fond memories of you playing at folklorama where my husband Dennis Dekleva introduced me to you. Our son Daniel began taking accordion lessons with you which he thoroughly enjoyed. God gave you such a beautiful gift to share with all of us. I thank you for that. Rest in peace Len. - Posted by: Doris and Dennis Dekleva (Friends) on: Nov 07, 2012

• Len, thanks for all the lessons you gave when I was a teenager. My adult life has been truly inspired and made more full by the love of music you helped instill in me (Although I was never able to emulate the musical talent you displayed in chord modulation and playing by ear). By the way, I now get why Bach was so great. Rest in peace Len. - Posted by: Cory Hedin (Student) on: Nov 04, 2012

• Like so many, we were shocked and saddened to hear of Len's passing. The Residents at The Wellington and at many other retirement and seniors homes will truly miss him. He was always willing and available to entertain, no matter what the occasion. His smile and warm approach was as special as his music. Our deepest condolences are expressed to his family and all those near and dear to him. - Posted by: Geri Lowe (Executive Director, The Wellington Retirement Residence) on: Nov 02, 2012

• For years, Len was my RCM representative extraordinaire. I say this because he remembered my name and plenty about me EVERY SINGLE time I did an exam! Even in the early years. He truly cared about all of us young students and making sure that we were comfortable and confident before our exams and I will remember that. - Posted by: Amy () on: Nov 02, 2012

• Len was not only a great musician he was great entertainer! His performances, stories, and music brightened many residents lives. He was a gift to many folks living in care settings. - Posted by: Robin Lake () on: Nov 01, 2012

• I was so shocked to hear of Len's passing. I just spoke with him two weeks ago. He seemed to be very much himself at the time. Our weekends together at the Gasthaus will never be forgotten. He changed the entire atmosphere for everyone as soon as he started playing. We always loved how he would accomodate everyone's needs. From birthdays, anniversaries, pink panther, hockey night in Canada and even lullaby's for the wee ones. There wasn't anything he couldn't do. That was only one of the instruments we got to see him with although we've all heard of his many other talents. He will always be remembered. Our condolences go out to the family. - Posted by: Jacquie (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2012

• I've enjoyed Lennie's magic for many years, and loved our conversations about music. Our family recently had the pleasure and honor of having Lennie play at my parents' 60th anniversary. It was the last time I heard him and he never sounded better. It is the fondest of many fond memories of Lenny, his quiet passion for his art, and his magic... - Posted by: Marc Ouimet (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2012

• I've known Len since I was very young. Taking piano lessons from Lisa. Len was always smiling and had such a great personality. He is genuinely one of a kind great guy. His music will live on through all the people it touched. RIP Len. - Posted by: Stephen bergen (Friend) on: Oct 30, 2012

• Len, it was an honour to work with you every weekend for over a decade at Gasthaus Gutenberger. I will always remember your smile, wit and beautiful music; Len was a true professional and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa, Brent and the rest of Len's family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Leah M. - Posted by: Leah (Friend) on: Oct 30, 2012

• I went to school with Len beginning in Kindergarten at Weston Elementary and was his friend though most of elementary and Juniour High. I remember Len playing his "little" accordion when we were in grade 4 or 5. His dad Stan played the "big" one and Len was learning to play by ear. He was really good even back them. We lost track of each other for a very long time but ran into each other a couple of times in the past few years. He is part of my childhood memories that I will cherish always. In grade 5 we won the city championship is soccer. Len loved sports and had the house right across the street from the baseball diamond at Pascoe Park. Good bye Len. - Posted by: Ron (School Friend) on: Oct 30, 2012

• So sorry to hear of Len's passing, I was honored once again to see Len in July and had a little chat with him. I was a student at Komar's and Len was my teacher a few times, a very talented, kind gentleman. Sincere condolences, Debi - Posted by: Debi Copple (Student from many many years ago) on: Oct 30, 2012

• Our deepest condolences to Lisa and Brent and family. Len was truly an icon in the the Winnipeg Music community who can never be replaced. It has been our privilege to know Len for many years and we will miss his tremendous talent and his kind and gentle manner. Sincerely ... Clark and Anne Tauber and your many friends at Tauber and Yamaha Music Schools. - Posted by: Clark & Anne Tauber (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 29, 2012

• no music here lenny just a good friendship in school CECIL RHODES DAVID GAETA - Posted by: dave gaeta (friend) on: Oct 29, 2012

• So sorry to hear of Len's sudden passing. I was probably one of his oldest students (in years) and he was always patient and kind. I will miss his beautiful accordion playing. He was the reason my family and I used to go to Gashous so we could hear him play - it was so beautiful! My condolences to you all. Although I never met you Lisa he talked about you alot. Sincerely, Shirley Kilburn - Posted by: Shirley kilburn (Teacher and friend) on: Oct 29, 2012

• Was so saddened to hear of Len's passing, he was just at our Seniors home 2 weeks ago, and my residents enjoyed his playing and stories. He was a wonderful man, who played beautifully and you could tell that he enjoyed every minute of it. We will miss him coming to play for us. - Posted by: Lisa () on: Oct 29, 2012

• Honored to play with Len a couple of times. He will be missed. - Posted by: Les Lytle (Musician) on: Oct 28, 2012

• Sorry to hear about a friend and fellow musician. We grew up together in Weston, went to school together and both played accordian. I recall our days at Komars with Len, Richard Piotrowski and I doing a trio accordion gig. On my trips to Winnipeg, when I bumped into Len, it was always nice to renew our friendship. Len was a great and talented musician and after Ted Komar passed away, Len became the premier accordian player in Winnipeg. Just a nice guy and good friend. Will miss him. My thoughts are with his family. John Peterson - Posted by: John Peterson (Friend and fellow musician) on: Oct 28, 2012

• Our Deepest Sympathy To You Lisa. Lens Music Will Live On In Our House For As Long As We Live. I Was Just His Student For A Few Years, But Lens Dedication To Music And Helping OthersIs Unforgettable. All The Best To You Snd Your Family From Gunther & Christel Bluschke. - Posted by: Gunther & Christel Bluschke (Student & friend) on: Oct 27, 2012

• Len, your spontaneous smile, acts of kindness and love of music will be forever remembered and appreciated. Special thanks for sharing those attributes with our mother Dorothy and our whole family. Sandy Bell - Posted by: Sandy Bell (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2012