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WALLACE MICHAEL DARICHUK
Born: May 29, 1938
Date of Passing: Jan 29, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWALLACE MICHAEL DARICHUK May 29, 1938 - January 29, 2017 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, Gigi, brother, uncle and friend, Wally Darichuk. On Sunday, January 29, 2017, surrounded by his family, Wally Darichuk, age 78, of Winnipeg passed away after suffering a debilitating heart attack. Wally's memory will be forever celebrated and cherished by his soul-mate and wife of 57 years, Veronica (nee Mandzie), his two devoted daughters Coreen (David Kieser), and Michelle (Tim Cuthbert); brothers Bill and George; sisters Jean (Myron Paulyshyn) and Betty (Bob Friesen), and sister-in-law Stephanie Mandzie. Uncle Wally is also lovingly remembered by James, Susan, Alan, Leanna, Krissy and their families. Gigi will forever be loved by his grandchildren Brody, Adam, Daniel and Gabrielle. Wally was born in St. Clements, MB to Michael and Lena Darichuk (nee Huculak), both of whom predeceased him. He received his primary and secondary schooling in a one room, rural school in East Lower Fort Garry (Kitchener School). He attended High School in Gonor, MB and the Selkirk Collegiate Institute. His strong work ethic developed early in life, as he contributed to daily life on the family farm. While attending University of Manitoba, he lived at home and travelled daily by bus from Selkirk to Winnipeg. To help pay his tuition, he drove a gravel truck and played accordion in a band. Upon completing his second year of his B.A., he attended Law School and at the age of 21 graduated with his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. He articled in Selkirk, MB with the late F.W Newman Q.C. He received his Call to the Bar on September 21, 1960 and on August 1, 1963 he became the youngest person in Canada to be appointed a Provincial Court Judge (Guiness World Book of Records, 1979 Ed.) and the first full-time, rural, Provincial Judge. He received his Private Pilot's License and Radio Operator's License in 1965 and frequently piloted his own aircraft while on circuit. In 1972, at age 33, he was one of the youngest persons to be appointed Queen's Counsel. Serving continuously for 50 years, he was the longest serving member of the judiciary in not only Canada, but the entire Commonwealth. His career included serving as a judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba and he was the first judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba to be elevated by federal appointment. In 1977, he was appointed a County Court Judge, Surrogate Court Judge and Local Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench for the Dauphin and Northern Judicial District. He served in this capacity until 1984 when he was appointed a Judge of Her Majesty's Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba. On December 4, 1997 he was appointed a Deputy Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories and the Supreme Court of the Yukon Territory. At the time of his retirement (age 75), Wally was the only judge to have presided in all courts of Manitoba. His judicial career ended on May 28, 2013, in its 50th year, by reason of mandatory retirement. Colleagues consistently note sentiments in line with the following, "He was such a gentleman who always had complete control of his courtroom, not by raising his voice, putting the lawyer down or bullying them, but by his respectful demeanour and knowledge of the law. Irrespective of the outcome, those who were fortunate to appear before him, always left his court knowing they had a fair and impartial hearing by someone who was attentive to the evidence and kept an open mind until the trial had concluded. We lost a good one." Even after retirement, he was still able to recite by memory, the laws and specific wording of every legal text he read. His photographic memory was legendary, a true blessing in the days before computers and the internet were invented. Wally was a very active and dedicated member of his community on a personal and professional level. Some of these short and long-term appointments included, but were not limited to, provincial director of the Society for Manitoban's with Disabilities, member of the Board of Directors of CancerCare Manitoba, director of Saint Paul's Nursing Home in Dauphin, MB; director of Holy Family Nursing Home in Winnipeg, two terms as President of the Provincial Judges' Association of Manitoba, as well as member of the Association of Superior Court Judges of Canada. He was an Executive Board Member of the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice and accepted an invitation from the Peoples' Republic of China to participate for three weeks in 1981 to help rebuild a legal and correctional system. In 2012 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Recently, he was nominated for the Order of Manitoba as well as the Order of Canada. His love of law was only second to the love of his family who treasured him for the tremendously sentimental, fun loving and generous spirit he always was. He unfailingly attended his daughters' every concert, dance recital, birthday, school musical, and special occasion in spite of frequently travelling hundreds of miles during their childhood to cover the geographical area his job entailed. Annual family vacations, camping trips and time at the cabin at Singush Lake in Duck Mountain Provincial Park were treasured and prioritized. He and Veronica continued to travel the world together, then with their grandchildren, sharing their love of adventure with them going on vacations such as Mexico and Disney Cruises through the Caribbean. He always said, "family first" and he lived his life according to this principle. In his younger days, Wally loved to go on hunting and fishing adventures with his friends. When he could no longer do this, he took up making "Wally wine" and baking Easter breads, holopchi, jams, jellies, and lemon pies from scratch. Gigi's grandchildren were the apple of his eye and they adored him! He loved them unconditionally and left them with the legacy of believing in themselves. He encouraged each of them to use their unique gifts and talents to make the world a better place...and they will, because Gigi said they could. Everything Gigi did with his grandkids had that special touch: "oopick" pancakes, fishing adventures, board games, card games, spoons, and go-carting to name a few. One of his most endearing qualities was his ability to speak to anyone about anything. He had an exceptional ability to make every person feel special and important. He always remained humble and touched the hearts and lives of everyone he met. On Sundays parishioners will miss hearing him read prayers during the Mass with his deep and commanding voice that many lovingly referred to as "the voice of God." When he is called to heaven, God will welcome him home and say, "How are you my good and faithful servant?" To which Wally will reply, with a twinkle in his eye, his favourite response - "I'm not telling!" The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors in the Health Sciences Centre Medical Intensive Care Unit for their respectful and sensitive care. The Funeral Mass will be held on February 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt St., Winnipeg, MB at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Wally's memory may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba. ETERNAL MEMORY - VICHNAYA PAMYAT For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2017
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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In two instances when lawyers I knew had been appointed judges, I suggested to them that they should consider, and copy, the courtroom demeanor of Judge Darichuk. Extreme courtesy was the standard he applied for himself, and his standard was one all judges would do well to follow. His example set a higher standard for all who participated in courtroom activity. - Posted by: Norman Watkins (collegue in law) on: Feb 10, 2017
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Dear Darichuk family, My warm wishes are with you at this time of loss. I have may fond memories of your family growing up in Dauphin and those influences make me a part of who I am today, take care. Trevor Ouellette - Posted by: Trevor Ouellette (family friend) on: Feb 08, 2017
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Wally was a wonderful man and friend with a voice like no other! We will miss you dear friend, VICHNAYA PAMYAT! - Posted by: Joyce & Dennis Maksymetz (Friends) on: Feb 05, 2017
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So sorry to hear about Wally. I always remember him as a very distinguished person so very friendly. Thinking of you Veronica and the girls. God give you strength. Marlene, Jocelyn, Chad and Nicole Dzisiak and families. Dauphin - Posted by: Marlene Dzisiak (Friend) on: Feb 05, 2017
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Dear Veronica, Coreen, Michelle and family, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on the sudden passing of Wally. Unfortunately, we are away and unable to attend the funeral. Growing up across the road from Wally, our families had a common bond, were close and shared community life together. Wally will always be remembered as being an honest, hardworking, fair, and true gentleman. We were always very proud of his accomplishments and truly enjoyed every conversation we had with him. He will be missed. - Posted by: Ray and Linda Gawryluk (first cousin ) on: Feb 05, 2017
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Dear Veronica and family. With our sincere sympathy. When someone you love becomes a memory...those memories become treasures. Blessings to you and your family. - Posted by: Bill and Gail Bodman (Friends) on: Feb 04, 2017
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Dear Veronica, Coreen and Michelle. A truly wonderful man and regret we are unable to attend the funeral. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. - Posted by: Allan and Darlene Hawryluk (ROZZ) (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2017
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We are so sorry to hear of Wally's passing.......he was such a wonderful man......always used his French when he met me....... Our prayers go out to all the Darichuk family....... - Posted by: Brian & Angele Friesen (Brother to Bob Friesen) on: Feb 03, 2017
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Dear Virginia and family, We share in your sorrow with the sudden passing of your husband and father. May time soften your hurting in knowing that his live has been honorous and exemplary to all his friends and aquantances. Due to prior commitments we regret being able to attend on Saturday. In sympathy, Louis and Maria Baltus. - Posted by: Louis and Maria Baltus (Friends) on: Feb 03, 2017
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Dear Veronica & Family....So very sorry to hear of Wally's passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May all the good memories that you have of your times together help you through this very sad time. Eternal Rest... - Posted by: adam & lorraine Brezden ( friends) on: Feb 02, 2017
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My friendship with Wally goes back to the early 1970's when we travelled together on the Northern provincial Court Circuit. We shared many wonderful times both in and out of court. When I was appointed to the Court of Queens Bench in Dauphin, Wally had relocated to Winnioeg 9 years earlier. His reputation an an outstanding jurist, active community member and good friend to many was only a part of his legacy. Doreen and I shared many social occasions with Wally and Veronica. He was taken much to soon but his legacy as a legal scholar and great person will continue on. Vichnaya pamyat good friend. We regret that we will not be able to pay our respects at your funeral as we are out of the country. However, our thoughts and prayers will be with Veronica and your family. Don Bryk - Posted by: Don and Doreen Bryk (Friend, Judicial Colleague) on: Feb 02, 2017
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My deepest sympathies to Wally's family. - Posted by: Mrs. Nellie Unik (Old friends ) on: Feb 02, 2017
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Wally was wonderful person that I had the privilege of knowing. A perfect obituary! I am sure he is sharing fishing stories with Vic. - Posted by: Elizabeth Omeniuk (Malis) (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2017
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Helene and I are very saddened to learn of Wally's passing. We would like to offer our deepest condolences to Veronica, Coreen and Michele and their families. We were extremely inspired and proud of Wally and his many accomplishments. We appreciated Wally's attention and commitment to his extended family. My mom (Wally's Auntie Annie) had a special place in her heart for her nephew and cherished the times she and my dad spent with Wally and his family. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Glen and Helene Gowryluk - Posted by: Glen and Helene Gowryluk (Cousin) on: Feb 02, 2017
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you "Jean & Myron" with the lose of Jean's Brother. - Posted by: Bill & Margaret Paulishyn (Cousins) on: Feb 02, 2017
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What a lovely well-written Obituary!! Sincere sympathy. Veronica, from an old MTC classmate. You have indeed been blessed to have had such a wonderful spouse. Laurel Faryon Class of 59 - Posted by: Laurel Faryon Piragoff (Colleague) on: Feb 02, 2017
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As a young Crown Attorney appearing before then also young Judge Darichuk in Provincial Court I was constantly and continually impressed with Judge Darichuk's incredible knowledge of the law and his patience, guidance, fairness and moral soundness of his decisions. I appeared on many other occasions before Justice Darichuk in County Court and then later Queen,s Bench and my opinion never wavered in his incredible fairness dispensing justice. I am exceptionally proud to have also known him as a friend. My sincerest and deepest condolence to your family. - Posted by: Bruce Mellon (Retired Crown Attorney) on: Feb 02, 2017
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Truly one of the good ones ! What a terrible loss for his family, friends, associates, and our society. I first met and worked with this fine man more than 40 years ago, and always had the greatest admiration and respect for a man who totally earned and deserved it. He gave me directions to a remote lake where my family enjoyed camping and fishing for many years, and eventually the area became the site of our summer cottage and regular summer place. Always kind and fair and a joy and privilege to have known this truly great man. Thankfully, his family has volumes of wonderful memories. - Posted by: Linda (Friend/Co-worker) on: Feb 02, 2017
