WILLIAM HENRY DIDLUCK

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WILLIAM HENRY DIDLUCK Dad passed on peacefully, in his sleep, on August 26, 2006 at the Misericordia Place Personal Care Home. Predeceased by his parents and siblings; daughter-in-law Aileen, in April, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Anne; sons, David, Bob (Mary) and Dennis (Cecile); grandchildren, Stephen (Sherri), Carrie Leigh (Bryan) Taylor, Richard, Susan (Scott) Engel, Janice and David (Alex); great-grandchildren, Jaidyn, Megan, Alex and Kyla. Dad was raised on the family farm near Insinger, Saskatchewan and married Mom, from the same area, October 21, 1935. Farming in the Hungry 30's was unsustainable, so they migrated to The Pas in northern Manitoba where dad cut pulp and fought forest fires. The early 40s saw them relocate to Winnipeg where Dad, a man of many skills, was first employed with Arlington Builders and North American Lumber. His legacy was the many pre-fab homes he erected in northern Manitoba and north-western Ontario as well as our three family homes in Brooklands and St. James. In the later 40's Dad served his country with the R.C.A.S.C. and saw service in Holland and Belgium. Upon his return he was a proud Canadian Legion member for many years. As with many who returned, he never spoke much about the war, but was always willing to show his medals and foreign coins to his children and grandchildren. He changed careers in the 50's, joining the Winnipeg Electric (currently Winnipeg Transit). He began with driving streetcars and progressed through electric, gas and diesel buses, retiring after more than 25 years of service. Dad, being an accomplished carpenter, was always ready to assist family with their projects. For Canada's Centennial he built a commemorative fence at our home in St. James, which was featured in the Winnipeg Free Press of the day. Dad had a strong sense of faith and was a leading parishioner in the Holy Ghost Church (Ukrainian Catholic) in Brooklands. As President of the Church support group he was instrumental in raising needed funds to sustain the church and played a part in the church's acquisition of the old Patterson's Barn at Keewatin and Logan. During retirement he also was a representative for a Ukrainian Group Insurance organization. Dad and Mom were also supporters of St. Vladimir's College (Redemptorist Minor Seminary) in Roblin. Dad, with Mom, always reveled in their visits to family in Saskatchewan and children and grandchildren in Boissevain, Churchill, Victoria and Prince George as well as the visits to Ponemah and fishing the Red at Lockport and Selkirk and the family mushroom picking expeditions in the Libau and Rennie areas. Day trips to Winnipeg Beach by the beach train or the old '39 Dodge were enjoyable summer excursions. Dad was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a devoted family man. He will be missed, especially by his grandchildren with whom he shared many stories. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Brookside Cemetery, Friday, September 8, 2006. Please gather at the front gates at 10:45 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Knysh Funeral Chapel (204) 582-0973. Vichnaia Pamiat

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2006