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MICHAEL TANCHAK  Obituary pic

MICHAEL TANCHAK

Born: May 03, 1933

Date of Passing: Dec 31, 2013

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MICHAEL TANCHAK May 3, 1933 - December 31, 2013 It is with great sadness that the family of Michael (Mike) Tanchak announces his passing on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 80. Michael was born May 3, 1933 in Kilkenny, Manitoba, near the town of Fisher Branch. The second of five children, born to Annie (Sandulak) and Wasyl Tanchak, he leaves to mourn his wife of 51 years, Anne Tanchak, his children Wesley Tanchak (Julie), Darlene DeMerchant (Richard), and Sherri Tanchak-Potter (Ian), grandchildren Matthew DeMerchant, Emma Tanchak, Michael Tanchak, and Annika Potter. Michael also leaves to mourn his sister Mary Haverstock (Wayne), brother Morris Tanchak, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Harry in 2011, Alex in 1999, his mother Annie in 1989, his father William in 1970, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law and one nephew, Trevor Tanchak. Michael grew up in Kilkenny attending school and working on the family farm, helping in the pulp and paper mill. It was there in 1958, he met a school teacher, Anne Zamrykut. After many dances at "Crabby Steves", a few movie dates, and many berry and mushroom picking adventures and picnics, they married and began a journey that would last 51 years. Over the span of 40 years, Michael was happily employed in a variety of auto-mechanic and service managerial positions in Winnipeg and Portage La Prairie. At the age of 62, Michael set out to start a new career as a handyman. He looked forward to meeting new people and helping them with a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. He especially enjoyed the many conversations and coffee with his customers and staff at the Winnipeg Seniors Bureau. Michael's love for community, volunteerism, and Ukrainian language, culture and traditions was enduring. Michael loved designing and creating pysanky each Easter. All of his grandchildren looked forward to receiving one of Dido's pysanky before the blessing of their Easter baskets. He was a founding member of St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church and spent many years supporting the parish in a variety of ways. He was a devoted parishioner and Charter Member of St. Basil's Council, Knights of Columbus, who worked tirelessly for his family and church community. A huge sports fan, Michael loved baseball, golf, and hockey. He especially enjoyed watching his son and grandson on the ice. Thanks to Michael, all of his children and grandchildren are avid golfers. Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always there for his children and grandchildren and encouraged them to share their talents and gifts with others. He will always be remembered for his quiet leadership, his subtle demeanor, his determination, his charm, his kindness, his smile, and his service for others with love. His legacy will live on in Wes, Julie, Darlene, Richard, Sherri, Ian, Matthew, Emma, Michael, and Annika. Didi will always be fondly remembered and sorely missed. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Wellness Institute at the Seven Oaks Hospital for their care with the cardiac rehabilitation program. To the Peritoneal Dialysis Clinic, thanks for the extensive care, training and support so that Dad could live a genuine quality of life at home. Prayer services will be sung on Monday, January 6, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 7, 10:00 a.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, with Reverend Father Isadore Dziadyk, OSBM officiating. Following the Divine Liturgy, we would like to invite family and friends to join us for lunch at St. Basil's Parish Hall. The interment will follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church or the charity of your choice. You will always be in our hearts. Vichnaya Pamyat! For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

  • To my very dear friend Mike and his family. I am so sorry that I was away from Winnipeg and missed the service. Mike was like an older brother to me. We took on so many challenging and rewarding work projects together. I could always call and ask his valued opinion. We shared our personal problems and concerns. What a loss I feel. Mike, you were the best. A true friend indeed. I miss you greatly. Thank you for all those good hours we spent together. - Posted by: George Ames (very good friend) on: Feb 03, 2014

  • Dear Mrs. Tanchak and family, my condolences for the loss of your husband, dad and didi. I wish I could have joined my parents at the celebration of his life on Tuesday at St. Basil's, but I was with you in spirit and prayer. May he rest in peace, knowing his family loved and cherished him dearly. - Posted by: Leslie (Zegalski) Badger (School Friend of Sherri's) on: Jan 09, 2014

  • Sherri and Family; We are very sorry to hear about your dad. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Denise Chamoun and Family (friend) on: Jan 08, 2014

  • R I P Uncle Mike you will be missed but never forgotten! - Posted by: Bryon Zamrykut (nephew ) on: Jan 08, 2014

  • Our deepest sympathies Anne, Wes, Darlene, Sherri and families. Your Husband, Dad and Dido will be missed at St. Basils. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John & Leona - Posted by: John & Leona Solomon (Friends) on: Jan 07, 2014

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Tanchak was always a kind-hearted man with a smile for everyone. He will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Chris & Melissa Greenwood (nee Ricard) ((Past Neighbour)) on: Jan 07, 2014

  • Our sympathy to you and your family. our thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Martin And Judy Jamieson () on: Jan 06, 2014

  • Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Darlene, Richard and Matthew and your family at this difficult time. We are thinking of you. - Posted by: Roland & Pam Jamieson (Uncle and aunt of Richard DeMerchant) on: Jan 06, 2014

  • When I was in university he became one of my best friends more than just an uncle. He was just a tremendous man and I will really miss him. Our thoughts are with Auntie Anne, Wes, Darlene, Sherri and families. - Posted by: Christopher & Jonida Zamrykut (Nephew) on: Jan 05, 2014

  • I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I pray God gives you strength and sustains you in His grace. - Posted by: stephanie Babey (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2014

  • Our deepest condolences to Anne and family. Mike was a kind and gentle man and will be missed at our parish. - Posted by: Joyce & Dennis Maksymetz (Friends from St. Basil's) on: Jan 04, 2014

  • Auntie Anne, Wes, Darlene and Sherri and families, we offer our most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Uncle Mike. Uncle was a genuinely nice person in all regards and a role model for all. He will be sadly missed but always remembered. - Posted by: Darryl and Margaret Zamrykut and family () on: Jan 04, 2014

  • Auntie Anne, Wes, Darlene and Sherri and families we offer our most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Uncle Mike. Uncle was a genuinely nice person in all regards and a role model for all. He will be sadly missed but always remembered. - Posted by: Darryl and Margaret Zamrykut and family () on: Jan 04, 2014

  • With deep sadness Ermel and I would like to express our deepest Sympathy for your loss, We regret we are unable to attend, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you. The Ricards - Posted by: Ermel and Grace Ricard (Friend and Neighbor) on: Jan 04, 2014

  • Sorry to hear of Mr. Tanchak's passing. I have fond memories of the Tanchak family, my family and other families growing up together while we attended the many church programs/activities at St. Basil's parish. Mr. Tanchak was a quiet, humble man who was always there to lend a hand. I know that he is having a wonderful reunion with the other St. Basil's parishioners who have gone before him. God grant you peace during this time. May his memory be eternal! - Posted by: Andrea Kohuch (friend from St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church) on: Jan 04, 2014

  • Wes, Julie, Emma and Michael, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Nacionales family (Friends) on: Jan 04, 2014

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

4000 Portage Ave. (Map)
Ph: 2048859715 | Visit Website

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