MICHAEL SENCHUK

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MICHAEL SENCHUK October 25, 1910 - April 18, 2013 Peacefully on April 18, 2013 at Rosewood Lodge, with Don at his side, Dad passed away in his 103rd year to be reunited with mom. Besides his beloved wife Annie, of 63 years, he was predeceased by his parents Pauline and Dymetro, brothers John, Bill, Peter, Harry, and sister Polly. Left to mourn his passing are his daughter Shirley (Alex) Krawec; sons Don (Jill) and Ed (Sylvia), grandchildren Alan, Allyson, Michael, Dean and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Kieran, Teagan, Carley, Maggie, Samuel and Mya; sisters-in-law Mabel Senchuk and Marie Manchulenko and nieces Anne Semenko and Nell Bjornson. Dad was born in East Selkirk October 25, 1910. The family moved to McMunn, MB where he attended school until the age of 14. In the following years he quickly developed into a "master of all trades". He possessed the ability and common sense to equip himself in the fields of mechanics, electricity, carpentry, plumbing and construction design. Dad's approach to a job was simple - if challenged, make the necessary adjustments and complete the work. Family and friends often sought out his ideas and advice. The cottage on Lake of the Woods is a prime example of his detailed work. He married Annie Andruchuk in 1933. They moved to Waugh, MB where the three of us were born. Dad began working for the Greater Winnipeg Water District on the Section Gang in 1929. During the war, he patrolled the railway ensuring the safety of the Shoal Lake Aqueduct. In the mid 1940s the family moved to Ostenfeld, MB where Dad ran the General Store. After two years the lure of the pulpwood business and construction brought the family to East Braintree. In the late 1950s he ran the Shell Oil Station in Falcon Lake for two years. Besides his regular busy schedule, he found time for volunteering in the community. He served on the Municipal Council, was a school trustee, helped with the Greek Catholic Church in Hadashville, the local Community Church, cemetery and upkeep of the Midwinter School. In his late 80s, he was always a willing driver for the "Seniors" in the area, be it shopping, medical appointments or social gatherings. Dad was especially pleased when the Canadian Committee of Geographical Names approved Senchuk Creek as a geographical name. In March 2010, the council of the RM of Reynolds erected an official road sign commemorating the creek. Travelling with family, included trips to Barbados, Hawaii, several states, the West Coast and a Caribbean cruise. Dad was very proud of his family's accomplishments. He and mom made sure we had the best training for our chosen careers. The activities of the grand and great-grandchildren were always of interest to him. They enjoyed telling him about their music, dancing, hockey, soccer and skating. Dad was a very generous man in his quiet and unassuming way - never expecting praise or reward for any of his actions. He semi-retired after his 80th birthday, but was always willing to help out family or friends with their projects. He continued to live by himself after mom's death in 1996. After his 92nd birthday he sold the farm and came to live with Alex and Shirley in Stonewall. He enjoyed many social hours with his "adopted" Stonewall family. When he required extended care, he took up residence in Rosewood Lodge where he was much loved and wonderfully cared for by the staff. Our thanks goes out to early caregivers Julie, Jeanette and Bonny. Sincere appreciation is extended to all the compassionate nurses and caregivers at Rosewood Lodge. Rose, Jill and Linda your good humour always put a smile on his face. He looked forward to joking around in Ukrainian with Barb and Kim. Prayers will be held Monday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Home in Steinbach. Funeral service will take place at the East Braintree Church on Tuesday, April 23 at 11:30 a.m. The Very Reverend Mark Gnutel will officiate. Interment will follow at the local cemetery. The family will host a reception at the Prawda Hall following the service. The last of the early pioneers of East Braintree has left us. May God grant him eternal rest.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2013