JOHN WALTER ATAMANCHUK

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JOHN WALTER ATAMANCHUK It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Walter Atamanchuk on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the age of 79 years. Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife Ollie of 56 years of marriage; their children, Melaney and Dan Vermeylen (Bryan (Annaka) and Karen), Stephen and Barb Atamanchuk (Alexander and Wyatt) and Allison and Gord Wong (Gabrielle); sisters Elsie Strandberg (Lloyd) and Margaret Bryk (Bill); sisters-in-law Lillian Atamanchuk, Levia Rudniski and Mary Twerdoclib, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents Stephan and Mary Atamanchuk, parents-in-law William and Anne Rudniski, his brothers Metro and Orest (in infancy), brother-in-law Joseph Rudniski, sister-in-law Francis Rudniski and grandson Jonathan Wong, his namesake. Born May 1, 1930 in the rural municipality of Mossey River, Manitoba, John spent his early years in Fishing River. He began his teaching career in the Swan River Valley where he met Ollie Rudniski, whom he married in 1953 and thus began their journey of almost 57 years together. They were blessed with three children; Melaney (1959), Stephen (1962) and Allison (1965). John was a devoted educator with a career spanning over four decades. After teaching in rural Manitoba, he became the principal of Birch River Collegiate from 19541959. He then returned to Winnipeg where he received his BA and BEd degrees from the University of Manitoba. Upon graduation, he taught in Seven Oaks School Division at Edmund Partridge Junior High and Garden City Collegiate, before becoming principal in the St. JamesAssiniboia School Division. He was principal at Ness Junior High, Golden Gate Junior High, Silver Heights Collegiate and John Taylor Collegiate until his retirement in 1990. John was dedicated to his staff and to his students. He was a leader in implementing new programs in schools and was instrumental in keeping special programs alive. An advocate for special needs children; he was also a strong supporter of sports, music and performing arts programs. He inspired many teachers and was an excellent role model, mentor and leader. Having many interests, John was passionate about politics and actively involved himself in provincial and federal elections. He spent many hours reading both local daily papers and watching Question Period or Happy Hour as he called it. He was also an avid sports fan. John was a Winnipeg Blue Bomber supporter and had season tickets for many years. He followed the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose and the Winnipeg Goldeyes. He played and he loved to watch curling, baseball and golf; and in his early years was actively involved in all three. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a founding member of his church, St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Above all, John was a family man. He was a devoted father and he actively involved himself in his children's activities, including coaching many teams and being a presence in the stands. He instilled the love of travel in his children and enjoyed many happy family camping trips and winter holidays. John was very proud of his children's achievements and instilled in them a sense of purpose and confidence. He believed in his children and was a man of his word. He was passionate about living life to the fullest with his family; and he considered each new day an opportunity for new surprises and new experiences. John inspired all three of his children to become teachers and life-long learners. John had a special relationship with all his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. In his retirement, John and Ollie enjoyed the love of traveling and explored many new and favourite destinations. They especially loved their time in the Gimli Trailer Park. These were fun and happy times spent with family, and good life-long friends. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt Street, with Rev. Fr. Ernie Hafichuk, presiding. Interment will follow in the Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue. Pallbearers will be Dan Vermeylen, Gord Wong, Bryan Vermeylen, Alexander Atamanchuk, Dale Atamanchuk and Nick Atamanchuk. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the paramedics, and to the firefighters for their valiant efforts in trying to save John. As well, we would like to express our gratitude to the Winnipeg Police, to the emergency doctors, nurses and trauma team at the Health Sciences Centre and to Father Lukie. Further thanks to the St. James community, to all of our neighbours, and to our friends and families for the love and compassion they have shared with us during this most difficult time. Memorial donations may be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund, 303 - 83 Garry Street, Wpg, MB, R3C 4J9 or to Special Olympics, 402-200 Main Street, Wpg, MB, R3C 4M9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2009