Joseph Tomchuk

Joe Tomchuk passed away suddenly but peacefully on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the MacGregor Personal Care Home with family by his side, at the age of 89 years.

He is survived by sons Kerry (Dixie) and Jules (Jennifer); grandchildren Candice, Alicia, Krystal, Janelle (Richard), Jennifer (Greg), Stephanie (Trevor), Sydney (Shane), Joe and Jillian; great grandchildren Brae-Lynn, Rayah, Avie, Harper, Pheiffer, Indiana, Blaike and Kacie; brothers Walter (Agnus) and Wilbert; sister Shirley Bannerman; sister-in-law Joyce Tomchuk, Marlene VanAchte, Cleda (Joe) Votrt and brother-in-law Joe Krizak as well as many extended family and friends.

Joe was predeceased by his loving wife Freda, of 64 years; parents Ann and Dan; son Kelly; brothers John and Ed; sisters-in-law Audrey Krizak, Irma Castle, Lee Tomchuk and Mary Tomchuk and brother-in-law David VanAchte.

Joe was born on January 31, 1929 in St. Claude.  The family moved around a lot before finally settling at the farm 2 miles west of Rossendale.  Daniel Tomchuk died at an early age leaving their mother Ann to raise 6 children.  In the early years the Tomchuk boys were well known for their mechanical abilities even building a sno-plane to get around in the winter.  As a young man Joe worked for the CN Telegraph which took him to parts of MB and SK but it was in Portage la Prairie where he met and married the love of his life, Freda VanAchte on November 9, 1951.  They returned to the farm at Rossendale living with Joe’s mother while building their own home across the road.  There they raised 3 sons, steadily increasing the size of the farm.  Joe wasn’t afraid to try new things growing the usual cereal crops along with oil sunflowers which he hauled to Altona with a single axle truck.  Corn and canola were also in the rotation.

In the winter months, to make ends meet, Joe went to work for Beverly Truck and Bus in Winnipeg where he learned the Auto Body trade.  He went on to repair and paint numerous vehicles over the years.  Joe and Freda were avid fishermen and every year when the crop was in, the camper was packed and off to various northern lakes they would go with family and friends.  Joe and Freda were part of a lifelong group of friends called “The Happy Gang” which enjoyed many get togethers and an annual cottage rental at Delta Beach for their kids to enjoy.   Joe and Freda enjoyed trips to Mexico, Toronto, Niagara Falls and various points out west and North Dakota.  They also enjoyed a couple of fishing trips to Lake of the Prairies and numerous casino outings.

Retirement was not in the picture for Joe as he continued to farm and help Kerry at every opportunity.  After Freda’s passing, Joe’s health continued to decline.  He took up residence in the MacGregor Personal Care Home where he resided until his passing. Birthday parties with the grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him joy.  The family wishes to thank all MacGregor Care Home staff for the exemplary care and compassion shown to Joe.  We take comfort in the thought that Joe, Freda and Kelly are somewhere together catching “The Big One”.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Rossendale Community Center with interment to follow at the Rossendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 E Saskatchewan Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or to Rossendale United Church, Box 100, Rossendale, MB R0H 1C0.

A tree will be planed and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. 204-857-4021