DR. EDWARD TOMCHUK

Condolences & Memories (42 entries)

• Dr. Tomchuk, it has been a long time since you passed on. I am truly saddened by your passing years ago. Blessings to your family and your patients and co-workers to students you taught. Dr. Tomchuk I made a promise to you. You saved my life. “I am Still Here”. I wish you were still alive for your devotion and trailblazing, psychotherapy and teaching saved and will save many more lives. Stigma is real with mental health. Dr. Tomchuk you were a visionary too. With Respect, Vivian/Vee. - Posted by: Vivian Muska (I was a patient) on: Jan 19, 2025

• I will always appreciate the unconditional acceptance I got from you Dr. Tomchuk. You were in a way like a true parent which I only had for a short while, when my Father died too early in my life. Thanks for being my great doctor. God bless you from Janis. - Posted by: Janis (Client/Aquaintance) on: Jul 30, 2022

• It’s been 10 years since you passed away. Always remember the times we had a cup of Earl Grey tea together. Miss those days😢😢😢 Never forgotten. - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (Friend/Patient) on: May 06, 2022

• It’s 8 years since you passed away, never forgotten. Missing out on our meeting together and drinking Earl Grey tea with you😢 - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (Patient/friend) on: May 06, 2020

• It’s 7 years since you passed away, never forgotten. Missing out on our meeting together and drinking Earl Grey tea with you😢 - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (Patient/Friend ) on: May 05, 2019

• Dr T. you are in my heart always. I still remember you offering tea when i came to your office. You were so awesome in being behind me with my photography and so encouraging. I know you can see how i continued with photography and I thank you for your support. I miss you. I know you are somewhere and everywhere in everyone's hearts you touched. - Posted by: Marie LeBlanc () on: May 21, 2016

• There is not a day that goes by where I am not thankful for Dr. T and miss him so much. When something comes up now I can just see his reaction and how he would have steered me in the right direction. He knew of the vultures out there and he was teaching me how to protect myself..... and not fall prey to everyone. I take as much as I remember with me and miss all the knowledge he had. I know he is still up there watching over everyone he knew, protecting them. Dr. T. I miss the cup of tea or water you offered and how you were always there for all your patients and family.... I do not know how you did it. You encouraged me with my art and you are the person to whom I am most thankful, who cheered me on to pursue my art. I cannot say thank you enough for all you have done. I miss you. - Posted by: marie (patient) on: May 25, 2014

• Today is your anniversary of your passing. Not a week goes by that I'm not thankful for the years of education I received as a patient of yours. My thoughts are with your wife and children always, but especially today. I miss my sessions with you and having a nice cup of Earl Grey Tea with you. - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (Friend (Patient)) on: May 06, 2014

• Not a week goes by that I'm not thankful for the years of education I received as a patient of yours. I miss you. My thoughts are with your wife and children always, but especially today. You live on in the sessions I imagine in my mind on difficult days, and in the many wonderful days in between. I have you to thank for them. - Posted by: Catherine (Patient) on: May 06, 2014

• Dr. Tomchuk was my therapist for 15 years, it has been about 1.5 years since he passed. I miss him everyday. I reflect and cry and grieve the fact he is gone. I wish Dr.Tomchuk was still here, we need doctors like him. He was a rare and compassionate man and doctor. Miss you, love Vivian - Posted by: vivian muska (Patient) on: Oct 06, 2013

• Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you very much...your kindness, your goodness and your understanding. My thoughts and prayers go to Mrs. Tomchuk and Family. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: barb (patient) on: May 11, 2013

• Dr. Tomchuk had such an impact on my life....not a day passes by that i do not think of him...he always had my back...and i miss him so much...his wisdom and help with everything is so much appreciated. I am so grateful he was such a big part of my life. He loved my art and today he would be so proud at how far i have come along with my art. He gave me the encouragement to go on...and i still remember the day he said...this picture would be good for national geographic. He kept a picture of a pink orchid i took in his office. I changed the picture in some way and i now call it consciousness....it has a human shaped body with angel type wings and a heart and a dove in the throat....to me and others i have shared it with say maybe he is communicating to me, or i am supposed to carry on and communicate something to the world through my photography or continue on a remember his words. He was a protector in a way and from above is still a protector. I asked a pastor and who said to think over what this new picture meant, and said there is a message of some kind in this picture....Dr Tomchuk is with everyone who touched his lives through his death. He was an amazing doctor. I would like dr. Tomchuk's family to know how much of an impact he had on me and to acknowledge the 1 year anniversary of his passing. This must be a very difficult time for his family and friends and my prayers are with you. He will be remembered for his strength, honesty, caring, wisdom and all the other traits he portrayed. There is not a day i don't think of him and remember what i have learned during my time as a client. his office is near to my place and i see the building everyday. I still remember my walks on the way to his office and back and have so many pictures of my treks. He is watching and caring for everyone from heaven. He always said "hang in there".....and whenever i hear those words i think of him.....he had such an impact on my life and i am ever so grateful. Blessings to his family. I miss him so much. thank you dr. T. I know you are up there guiding each and everyone of us. - Posted by: Marie L (patient) on: May 06, 2013

• Dr. Tomchuk's wisdom, questions and advice are still with me everyday - guiding me through decisions, uncertainties and challenges. My thoughts and heart are with his family always, but especially yesterday and today. I'm so sorry he's gone, and continue to miss him dearly. - Posted by: Catherine (Patient) on: May 06, 2013

• I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Ed and to put Into practice everything he taught me over the years. He continues to effect positive change in me and others even now. While he is gone he is not forgotten. - Posted by: Gary (former client) () on: May 06, 2013

• Today is Dr Tomchuk anniversary of his passing, and recalling the day I last met Dr Tomchuk and his wife at Costco. Time flies. You're missed by everyone who knew you, I miss those meetings with you time and time again I would Reremisce our meeting and catching up about our IPhones and the new stuff that came out. - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (Patient ) on: May 05, 2013

• Dear Mrs. Tomchuk I understand how hard birthdays, anniversaries and especially Christmas will be for you. Please try to think of what Dr. Tomchuk would want for you and your family and try to make the best out of Christmas as hard as that will be. Think of him looking down and watching over you and your family and know that one day you will be reunited again. I lost a loved one just before Christmas and I understand how tough it will be. Try to be tougher and as crazy as it sounds try to have a good time. He would want it that way. All the BEST to you and your family, not just over the holiday season but for the years to come. Yours in faith, Barb Singbeil - Posted by: barb singbeil (patient) on: Dec 09, 2012

• Dr. Tomchuk helped me through a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever greatful to him. He was an amazing person and will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Dr.Tomchuk. - Posted by: Kate () on: Jun 19, 2012

• I have known Dr. Tomchuk since 1992 - I have been living out of the country and I only found about his passing today. On May 4th I had a dream about a problem I was encountering with my son and I saw Ed's face. So I called his office on May 5th and left a message hoping to speak with him. I never received a call back and have thought about that for an entire month. I felt he could help my family again as he had done in the past and I thought there would be no one better to understand. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing - I wish I could have reconnected with him sooner. He was a very trustworthy man and I wish to tell his family he meant very, very much to me and many people. He touched many lives in a very real and positive way and those people touched other lives and they are all making a difference in this world. I'm so sorry. Much love to his family and friends. He is deeply missed. - Posted by: Carrie Forsythe () on: Jun 05, 2012

• I am so sorry for the loss of Ed. He was a very quiet, thoughtful person and I remember him fondly. We have suffered a great loss, he will be greatly missed by everyone. - Posted by: Lana Lipkowitz (classmate, elementary,junior high school, high school, medical school) on: May 24, 2012

• I went to elementary school with Ed and as young children we teased him about his pocket protector for his pens and pencils. Knowing then that he was destined for great things as he was an extremely intellectual and gentle soul. Always thoughtful and introspective Ed had potential bursting at the seams to unfold. I remember a few years after graduating seeing him shopping with whom I took to be his wife looking so happy and a playful grin upon his face. As if he had found his calling. Now as I have read these amazing, heartfelt and openly full of gratitude tributes I see he not only found his home but he helped many others find their may home. May you rest in peace my friend Ed and may your memory be eternal. Sincerely, Barb - Posted by: Barb Samoil (Selk) (Classmates) on: May 22, 2012

• My condolences to Ed's family. I have very fond memories of Ed as a kid back in elementary school and growing up to be a great high school classmate and friend. We all knew Ed would do something extraordinary with his life and by all accounts of the tributes written here he accomplished more than we ever could dream. The thing I will remember most about Ed was his steadfast belief in people, his unwavering commitment to help others. He showed great kindness to many during those tough teenage years and always had a smile and laugh for everyone. Ed, RIP my old friend. You touched many and will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Harvey Minuk (elementary, junior and high school classmate) on: May 22, 2012

• To begin, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Tomchuk and her children and thank you all for giving us the privilege to attend the celebration of his life. It was such a shock to learn that Dr. Tomchuk had passed at such a young age. I have been a client of his for 14 years as have been on their own my two children. I hope he knew just how much he helped my children and I, each in our own journey of grief and conflict and joy in rebuilding our lives after living with alcoholism, and divorce. I am forever grateful for the support Dr. T offered me, always in the most respectful and professional manner. My children and I knew he cared, as never did he miss returning a call, or squeezing in one more appointment when one of us was going through a crisis. Returning from the funeral, my now adult son commented on how lucky Dr. T's kids were for having had such a good Dad. He wished he had been a client of his for a longer period so as to have known him longer. We both admitted to feeling very sad and lost but also knowing that he had provided us with many good tools and insights to carry on in our personal growth. My adult daughter who was unable to attend his celebration of life commented to me that she always knew that Dr. T. cared and that she would always try to do her best to live by the insight and guidance he had given her. Thank you Dr. T for everything, for all the help I received which enabled me to grow, learn and keep giving back. I hope wherever you are, you are now surrounded by all the love and caring you so generously gave to others in your family life and your professional life. You will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Anonymous client () on: May 21, 2012

• I am deeply saddened to read about Dr. Tomchuk's departure. I had seen him for many years. We have children the same age and shared toilet training stories. He encouraged me to go to Drumheller and Reptile World with my family as he just did that trip (many years ago). When I had a violent confrontation with a family member and was forced to leave and uproot my children. He phoned in the evening to make sure I was all right. I knew then that he did care and was very touched by this gesture. My life has gone on the better track and the decisions to leave my dysfunctional family were highly encouraged by Dr Tomchuk. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife and children. May the touching memories guide you through some the hardest of times. Gone too soon but never forgotten! - Posted by: Jo-Anne (former-patient) on: May 20, 2012

• Deepest condolences to the whole family. It's heartbreaking to lose a loved one. I know he did his best to help his patients. Rest in peace ET. - Posted by: Ann (A patient's mother) on: May 19, 2012

• Dr. Tomchuk was my therapist for over two decades, and during that time he probably saved my life on more than one occasion. Ed was a decent human being above all, and he was steadfast in his support of all his patients. He was wise, knowledgeable and compassionate yet firm - all qualities necessary to be a good psychiatrist. I am very sad at learning of his loss - his absence will leave a hole in many lives, including my own, that will be filled only with difficulty. I shall miss him, and I want the family to know that his care and concern were truly appreciated. My thoughts go out to his wife and family and to his brother and parents in these difficult times. Goodbye Dr. T - Posted by: Tim (Patient) on: May 19, 2012

• When I became a patient of Dr. Tomchuck's in early 2004 there was so little of me left. I know even he wasn't sure I'd ever pull through. And now, after many years of talking with him once and even twice a week - I'm whole. I have genuine love in my life and for myself now that I never knew was possible. He was my doctor, but above all, my teacher. I feel the fulfilling life I now lead is because of him and I will be eternally grateful. I'm thankful that I never missed an opportunity to express this gratitude to Dr. Tomchuck in our sessions -- but sadly can't help but feel very alone facing the world without him now. I do know that the tools he's equipped me with over the years will stay with me forever (as will he) as I continue to build my awareness of myself, as a daughter, a wife, a professional and most especially as a new mother. I hear him still, in my thoughts and daily considerations, and I cherish every word. I'm so grateful to have had the years with him that I did. And am devastated he's left this world so soon. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his incredible wife and 3 children. It is his love for you that has provided much of the guidance he's given me as I learn about motherhood and work to build my own wonderful family. I know you sacrificed a lot of time with your father/husband in order for him to help me and so many others who would have never made it with out him. Thank you. - Posted by: Catherine (Patient) on: May 16, 2012

• Today I attended Dr. Tomchuk's funeral service, and was amazed at the beautiful service in his honour. A true family man he was and shall be solely missed by his wife, family and friends. - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (Patient) on: May 16, 2012

• I count myself blessed to have been one of Dr. Tomchuk's students during most of my psychiatry residency at U of M. I can think of no situation in which he did not demonstrate generosity or patience (or both) in clinical or classroom settings. What's more, is that he was always courageous about dong what is best for patients, and seemed likewise committed to our education as future psychiatrists. He recently spent a 90 minute senior-resident seminar cheerfully sharing his wisdom about how to run an effective private psychotherapy practice, elaborating many of the nebulous details about how to achieve proper balance in one's life, despite only one resident showing up (others were sick or on vacation). This kind of commitment was also reflected by the way he regularly accompanied residents in person on weekend call shifts at the hospital to help them (and patients) work at addressing clinical medical and mental health issues; an experience I had EVERY TIME he was on call with me as my back-up supervisor! Even if there is a perception that psychiatrists practice long-term psychotherapy much less in favour of single consultations to other doctors, Dr. Tomchuk is surely one of a committed core group of our teachers who struggle (often against our ignorance as trainees) to teach us the art of being with patients in a way that allows them to begin examining themselves in a loving way so that their relationships can be healed. If there is any way to love one's patients rightly as a psychiatrist, it can certainly be said that Dr. Tomchuk loved his patients. Thank-you Dr. T., for teaching me how to love patients the way that a physician should. You are an example of what a great doctor is. I am so sad you are gone. - Posted by: Anonymous Doctor (Student) on: May 12, 2012

• My Daughter Marley Rae McDuff saw Dr. Tomchuk for 20 years and my husband and I met with him on many occasions. He truly tried to help Marley and was always there when she needed him. Marley took her own life last April and Dr. Tomchuk attended her service and we will always be grateful for his guidence. Thank you Leslie Riemer and family - Posted by: Leslie Riemer (Dr. Tomchuk was my Daughter's Dr.) on: May 12, 2012

• I have been a patient of Dr. Tomchuk's for almost four years, seeing him weekly. He never cancelled an appt., and although I knew that someday our therapy would end, I never thought that our last appt. would be the last time I saw him. I wanted him to have time with his family, to enjoy life, but he has left this world too soon. He has influenced so many lives, helped so many, with his quiet gentle way of being so human and so decent. Words cannot convey my gratitude for having been blessed with a Dr. who truly cared. I feel like I have lost a dear friend, someone who always had my back. I feel lost. I hope he knew how much I appreciated him and how much he did for me. I was told that the Psychiatrists now will not have psycotherapy sessions with you, they are there to assess your situation and prescribe medications. They do not want patients to become dependant on them. I think that is most unfortunate for patients, and that we will see many people suffering the consequences. Unless you have looked into the deep hole of depression and anxiety, you cannot possibly understand what it means to have someone like Dr. Tomchuk to talk to, to encourage, to laugh and cry with, and to get better with, slowly but surely. I called his office, just to hear his voice once more and to say good-bye. My most sincere condolences to his family in their loss. He will always have a special place in my heart. We have all lost so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.......for everything. - Posted by: Rita Johnson-Jounot (patient) on: May 11, 2012

• Dr. Tomchuk was my psychiatrist for close to 12 years, but more than that he was a strong male role model, a cheerleader, and a source of never ending support for me. He never lost hope that my life would continue to improve, and I will do my best to honour his passing by living up to the potential he saw in me. Though our hours together were not always easy, I never doubted he had my best interests in mind. I was shocked to hear of his passing and will miss him dearly. I am so very grateful to have known such a wonderful man. My life is the better because of him. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Lisa (patient) on: May 11, 2012

• I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Tomchuk. I was a patient of his for 15 years. I remember when I was referred to him I was adamant that I wanted a female psychiatrist. The doctor that referred me assured me that Dr. Tomchuk was much more sensitive than many female doctors she could refer me to. She was oh so right. I could not have dreamt of a better person to show me the way when I was lost, teach me the lessons I had never before been taught, encourage me when I felt like giving up, and laugh with me and at me when I needed to lighten up. He was truly a most gifted, precious human being. When I was told that he had passed away, so suddenly and well before his time. I felt such an overwhelming regret that I had not had a chance to tell him how intensely grateful I was for all he had done for me. I called his office just to hear his voice on the machine one more time. I so wish I could have said a last thank you and goodbye. A piece of my heart goes with him and he will always have a place in my memories and my heart. Heaven is full of lost souls that can certainly use his council and they are blessed to have him set up office. My deepest sympathies to his family at this tragic time in their lives. He left this world far to soon. I guess he filled his quota for admission into heaven too soon. He will be missed... - Posted by: Susan Mills (Client) on: May 11, 2012

• Dr. Tomchuk was more than just a doctor to me. He was a trailblazer, motivator and loving man. He was there for me when nobody else was. He believed in me when nobody else did. A man like him cannot be replaced. He supported everything that I did and reminded me when I needed to be reminded of what I had to work on. I spent 13 years with him as my doctor, and I don't know what I am going to do without him. He was highly gifted, caring and stood true to his word. He believed in the traditions of true psychotherapy that many have stopped doing. The field of Psychiatry has lost an amazing psychotherapist and doctor. I am sorry to his family and friends for their loss, and I wish he was still here. I miss you Dr. Tomchuk, and thank you for everything. - Posted by: vivian (Patient) on: May 11, 2012

• Dr. Tomchuk was a great doctor. I believe he was the best. I had seen him since 1998. He was great at what he did. I miss him very much. My condolences to his family and to other patients/clients also. He really did care. - Posted by: Janis SalluviniQ (Patient) on: May 11, 2012

• Dear Dr. Tomchuk, I am devastated that you have passed on! I know that you are now an Angel in Heaven. I can't believe that you are gone. I can't stop crying. Thank you for everything! My heart goes out to your family. With a great amount of respect .....I will miss you. Barb - Posted by: barb singbeil (patient ) on: May 11, 2012

• I MISS HIM GREATLY AS WE ALL WILL. HE HAS HELPED 100 S OF PEOPLE. I SHALL MISS HIM DEARLY. I WAS ONCE VERY THIN AND WOULD ALWAYS COMPLAIN THAT I WAS FAT. HE WOULD JUST LOOK AT ME AND LAUGH. NOW I AM THE WEIGHT I SHOULD BE AND CAN SEE WHAT HE SAW. - Posted by: jane grime (patient) on: May 10, 2012

• Dr. Tomchuk was there for me for over 10 years. He was very caring, knowledgeable, professional, and supportive and always encouraged me in my goals. He was a great man and did whatever he could for his patients. He stood up for me and fought for what I needed when no one would. He was very caring and listened to me. He always returned phone calls no matter what time of day. I am so sorry that I did not get a chance to tell him how much I appreciated what he did for me and how grateful I was for his help on the last day I saw him. I know he knew because I did tell him on various occasions. He truly cared about his patients. He always offered me a cup of tea or water and was concerned about my health. May you rest in peace Dr. Tomchuk. Your soul will carry on and I will always remember how much you helped me and encouraged me, and how you appreciated my photography and always gave me inspiration and courage to keep on taking pictures. You encouraged me to send some pics to National Geographic. Even though I am not a pro...you provided support and often offered some tips for me. You always looked up information on the internet for things that pertained to me and offered suggestions. I will miss all of your help in all aspects in my journey I had with you as my doctor. I know you were not allowed to be friends with patients, however, I feel you were (are) my friend, you know more about me than my family and friends and were there in good times and bad. I know you are resting in peace in heaven looking on all of your patients and family and watching and caring for all of us. You carried our burdens on your shoulders and sacrificed your life for all of us. He did all he could to help and I cannot believe he has passed on. His soul will live forever and carry on; he will be there for you and carry you like footprints in the sand when you are weary. He will always take care of you. Dr. Tomchuk, You are an angel in heaven...thank you for everything. When the doors of heaven opened for you, Heaven became a better place. You made a difference in the world.... I offer you my sincere gratitude and appreciation. I shall miss you as my doctor, and as a friend who truly cared. You were the only one who knew everything about me and when I worried about things you always said "let me do the worrying for you". You always said to “hang in there”. I saw you last Friday, and can't believe you are not here anymore. I will remember you sitting in your chair listening attentively and eating your cough drops...which I said you should not eat so many...are you sick...maybe you should see a doctor...I am concerned about you....and then I received the phone call on Sunday....such devastating news. My condolences go out to your family, friends and patients. Dr. Tomchuk, you will be missed by everyone whose life you touched. May you rest in peace and God Bless your family during this difficult time. We all miss you! To the family: I am so sorry for your loss and hope you can see him as an angel and see him everywhere you look and see the kindness in him and how hard he worked to help everyone and to be there for you and provide for you. I will miss him. Thank you to his parents for bringing him into this earth and for his whole family to allow him be the best therapist he could be who cared for his patients. For his patients that I know, they miss him very much. - Posted by: Marie LeBlanc (patient for over 10 years) on: May 10, 2012

• I have been a patient of Dr. Tomchuk's for the last 14 years. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Tomchuk and his entire family and friends and colleagues. Dr. Tomchuk was very caring and astute. I learned a lot from him over the years and he gave me strength, when I didn't think I had any. He will always be with me. - Posted by: Elaine Johnston (Patient) on: May 10, 2012

• I have known Dr. Tomchuk since 1991. He was a caring Doctor, who was there for you. I shall miss him not just as Doctor but as a friend who would listen to you. I shall miss having a cup of Earl Grey tea when we meet. My condolences go out to Mrs. Tomchuk who I met briefly while shopping at Costco last week, with Dr Tomchuk, and to the family. May God Bless You all in this sad time. RIP Dr Tomchuk - Posted by: Joseph Halyckyj (patient) on: May 10, 2012

• This is so tragic! I am very saddened by the loss of Dr. Tomchuk. My deepest sympathies and condolences are sent to his family for your agonizing loss. To all his friends and supportive colleagues in the medical community, my condolences are sent out to you with the hope that you will always remember Dr. Tomchuk and take his patient style of practice and implement it into your own work. He was a great support to me and gave me assistance with patience over 10 years. He definitely had a knack for listening that was rooted in compassion. I am very grateful for what he has done to help me strive to achieve my academic goals in life. - Posted by: Michael Julien (patient/friend) on: May 10, 2012

• I will dearly miss Dr Tomchuk. I have been a client of his for almost 20 years. He has helped me thru some extremely rough times. We have shared many laughs together, and he has been an asset to the person I am today. To the family, I was very shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He leaves behind a legacy to his family. He will be missed and he has touched so many hearts...I am so very sorry for your great loss. - Posted by: teresa wittman (client) on: May 10, 2012

• I have known Dr. Tomchuk for the past 8 years. During that time, I have developed a deep respect for this man...for his values, integrity, compassion, strength of conviction, advocacy, and last but not least, his wonderful sense of humour. He has been an anchor for me during some of the lowest times of my life, has helped me believe in my own inner strength and beauty, and has guided me through the process of advocating for both myself and for my children; he has been present for intellectual challenges and discussion, has celebrated my successes and my family's milestones, and has provided a constant source of encouragement and insight. I have appreciated how his work ethic, and expectations of others in this regard, serve as a catalyst for growth and change, and how his selfless and genuine interest in the goals of those around him helps transform those dreams into reality. Dr. Tomchuk, I will deeply miss our sessions, and will always carry a part of you with me. My heart goes out to your family, and their immense loss. - Posted by: Marni Hellner () on: May 10, 2012