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DARREN MICHAEL SAWCHUK
Born: Jul 23, 1965
Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDARREN MICHAEL SAWCHUK July 23, 1965 - March 18, 2017 Darren Sawchuk passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 18, 2017 after a courageous struggle with cancer. Left to remember Darren are his children, Jennifer (Devin) and Jordan (Shae); his partner Loralie, and her children Chenoa, Seamus, Dalton, Maya, and McCormick; his parents Shirley and Todd; his siblings, Kim (Robert), Corey (Krista), and Dale (Tani); his nieces and nephews, Alyssa (Daniel), Conlin, Nicholas, Danton, Foster, Kiah, Griffin, Joël and Yves; and numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, teammates, and clients. Darren meant so much to so many people. Darren was predeceased by his grandparents William and Pauline Sawchuk, and Nicholas and Anne Kawka. In true Ukrainian fashion, Darren loved spending time with his large family and circle of friends. Darren had a deep connection to Neepawa and the family farm in Big Valley. Darren was happiest at the family cottage at Hillside Beach: helping his dad and brothers build the cottage, sharing summer days with his family, giving extreme tube rides on the lake, and sitting by the fire with a guitar in hand. Darren's sense of humour and love for his family was shared at many Christmas dinners, ski trips, and "Sawchuk parties". Darren raised his two children Jennifer and Jordan, with Christine Sawchuk, at their home in St. Andrews with love and care. His passion for hockey led to him coaching his children and many hockey teams over his life. Darren believed in helping others and making a difference in the lives of everyone he met. Years of involvement in the St. Andrews community through hockey, softball, and the community club fostered endless meaningful friendships. Darren was an accomplished and proud criminal defence lawyer and advocate for over 25 years, working with the firm of Phillips Aiello and appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. His enduring faith in the good in each of his clients and his belief that everyone deserves a second chance drove him in his work. Darren also mentored many young lawyers. His impact on our legal community was felt far and wide as he advocated for reforms to create a fairer justice system for all. Darren had many passions in his life, of which music was the greatest. After teaching himself how to play guitar during law school, Darren discovered the power of music: his guitar was always close at hand. With his band 59 Divide, Darren shared his gift with his friends and audiences. Later in his life, this devotion to music led him to open Vinyl Revival with his loving partner Loralie. Vinyl Revival was the culmination of Darren's devotion to music. Under Darren's guidance and vision, VR became a place to mentor aspiring musicians, share stories and play songs with new and old friends. A public funeral will be held on Thursday, March 23, 1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, 955 Wilkes Ave., followed by a reception. Donations in Darren's memory can be made to the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada, at sarcomacancer.ca. Funds raised for Darren's treatment through his GoFundMe page will be donated in his honour to this foundation, to help current and future sarcoma patients with their treatment. The family would like to thank Darren's treatment team at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital. The special attention to Darren's care needs by Doctors Greg Eschun and Ralph Wong was exceptional and enabled Darren a dignified life to the end. "Somewhere over the rainbow we will meet again, I will wait patiently for you, my dear friend." -Darren Sawchuk, "Graceful Love". CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL, 204-586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2017
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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I'm deeply saddened to just have learned of Darren's passing. He was an extraordinary lawyer and twice went above and beyond for me when I had trouble. Once was when I was 18/19 (I'm 39 now) and had helped pay a bus ticket for me to go to BC as I was getting threatened and then again at 24/25 yrs. when I got into a lil trouble again. Each time he was very endearing and fought hard for me. I'm so very heartbroken to hear about his passing and I send loving prayers to his loved ones and the abundant numerous people who got to know such a Stand-up great strong man. May he rest peacefully and continue to touch his special loved ones to know he's near and dear in our hearts 🙏 - Posted by: Camille Michell (was a client ) on: Nov 18, 2019
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I'm so glad I go to spend time with you playing guitar and singing.You were always fun to be around. God bless your family and I will see you on the other side brotha xxxooo - Posted by: Ian Forsyth (Music friend ) on: May 04, 2017
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Sorry to hear of your passing our two world's collided so many years ago as I needed a lawyer and you came to my rescue you were always very clear on giving me the best representation every time I had to appear and I am very greatful that you kept me out of jail. Once again I had a chance to meet Cindy, your wife at the time we had time to say hi again while I was a patient at the HSC - Posted by: lana mclean () on: Mar 25, 2017
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Sad news. Our condolences. Darren was a wonderful person that the world will miss! - Posted by: Perry & Sharon Procyshyn (St. Andrews neighbor) on: Mar 23, 2017
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My heartfelt sympathy to all of Darren's loved ones in this heart wrenching journey this past year. As a cancer survivor Darren inspired all of us with his zest for life, hope, faith and unwavering love. May your aching hearts one day soon not be so heavy with grief, but rather may his wonderful memories light a smile to your faces with love. - Posted by: Cindy McRae (Friend/Legal Aid Manitoba) on: Mar 23, 2017
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My deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to the Tod, Shirley, Kim Corey and Dale for your loss. It saddens me terribly to know how much you are all hurting. My memories of Darren bring a smile to my face, remembering all the great times I spent with your family. Take care, my friends - Posted by: Mike Dufauly (Family friend) on: Mar 22, 2017
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Todd and Shirley Our deepest sympathy for your loss - Posted by: Pat and Shirley (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2017
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Darren treated his cancer with an elegant irreverence as he went about the rest of his life. In that way he left teachable memories. - Posted by: Rocky Pollack () on: Mar 22, 2017
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Dear Shirley and Todd: I'm so very sorry to learn of Darren's passing. I know how hard the past year has been on you. My sincere sympathy to you both and to your family. Doreen. - Posted by: Doreen Bullen (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2017
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Our condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Judy Anaka and Richard Destine (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2017
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You made the world a better place. We'll miss you Darren. Vichnaya Pamyat. Eternal memory. Therese Koturbash - Posted by: Therese Koturbash (friend and colleague) on: Mar 21, 2017
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To Darren's parents, you raised a fine, caring son whose compassion for others was demonstrated in all that he did. His love for his family was obvious and he spoke about how blessed he was to have you as his parents. To his immediate family, I hope you know how many lives Darren touched in such a positive manner. The fact that so many people came out to his fundraiser, shortly before he left us too soon, attests to the impact that he had on others. To Loralie,, as I said recently, we were all praying for a miracle. But, Darren was the miracle - right in front of us. He was a miracle because of the way he was able to create community, giving people a safe "home" and a venue for creating and performing. He was a miracle because of his courage and incredible authenticity. And, he was a miracle because of his passion for living life fully and deliberately. His gift of music and lyrics will live on. We can't wait to listen to his album "Another Day." What a legacy of life and love! So very sorry to all of you for this profound loss. Vichnaya Pamyat. May his memory be eternal. - Posted by: Darcia Senft (friend and colleague at the Bar) on: Mar 21, 2017
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Shirley & Todd, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Loreen Kenyon (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2017
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Dear Shirley, Todd and family. I hope for all of you, peace will come early and your reflections of the wonderful person Darren was, will bring a smile to your faces, and a warmth in your hearts. - Posted by: Vicki Lazaruk (business associate of Shirley) on: Mar 21, 2017
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Darren saw the good in me despite numerous trips in front of a judge. He will be missed and never forgotten. Over the span of 15+ year's, he taught me right from wrong in a lot of different ways. I will always consider him a "true" friend. - Posted by: Terry Bailer (Friend/client ) on: Mar 21, 2017
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I first came to know Darren as a client of his many years ago. I soon came to regard him as a friend and a trusted confidante. A finer man I have never met. As much as Darren was such a highly skilled, highly intelligent and top notch legal professional who highly valued his community and society in general; Darren was an even better man ! Every time that we met he would always talk very proudly and fondly of his family, yet he would never take any credit for his own achievements and accomplishments of which there were countless many. Darren was a great man and going forward he remains a truly inspirational role model. Thank you Darren for being such a positive influence in my life. One day we shall meet again and laugh like crazy once more. - Posted by: Grant Bannatyne (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2017
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So very sorry for everyone's loss! Darren was a truly remarkable man! He will greatly missed by all! I'm sure there will be music in Heaven!! Rock on Darren!! It was a honour to call you a friend!! - Posted by: Brenda Wechnenko (Friend & Found out A relative.) on: Mar 21, 2017
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Dear Todd, Shirley & family Our very deepest sympathies at this very sad time. Art & Adeline Kopp - Posted by: Adeline & Art Kopp (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2017
