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TARAS JOHN (TJ) SANDULAK  Obituary pic

TARAS JOHN (TJ) SANDULAK

Date of Passing: Mar 17, 2014

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TARAS JOHN (TJ) SANDULAK December 27, 1961 - March 17, 2014 You left us way too soon little brother - there were still many more get-togethers, family feuds, and conversations for you to be a part of. Born the youngest of six, and being as cute as a bug, you endured many years of hugs and kisses at the hands of your siblings. Hugs and kisses eventually turned to pinches and punches, but always done with love. You grew up in Transcona and as a curious teen, you tried everything from guitar lessons to enlisting in the Reserves. Your greatest (and longest) accomplishment would be graduating from high school at TCI. Dad and Gayle stood proudest, amongst a standing ovation from your peers, when you received your diploma that day...shortly after your 20th birthday. You later moved to British Columbia to reconnect with our Mom (or maybe to get away from us bossy siblings), and it is so fitting that you passed on the same day as her birthday. You had many jobs on the coast and were presently employed with Rogers' Arena. Another "job" you had was being late-night Facebook DJ, and confidant to your many friends. It is apparent by all the messages we received, that you touched so many lives. You are so loved; you have the biggest heart, such a kind and gentle soul. You will be missed terribly by your siblings: Gayle, Billy, Marion, Nicky, and Pauline; brother-in-law, Jack; your nieces and nephews: Jillian, Lauren, Roddy and Will; friends: Danny, Barry, Terry, Leslie and Jimmy, and many others. Give hugs to Mom and Dad! Please join us Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Transcona Legion, 117 Regent Ave. E. from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a celebration of TJ's life. In lieu of flowers, pay it forward in his honour. We love you TJ, always and forever.
Publish Date: Mar 29, 2014

TARAS JOHN (TJ) SANDULAK Suddenly on Monday, March 17, 2014 in New Westminster, BC, our little brother, uncle and friend, TJ Sandulak passed away at the age of 52. Arrangements pending. A longer notice to follow.
Publish Date: Mar 22, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2014

Condolences & Memories (46 entries)

  • You're missing song by Bruce Springsteen. Listen to it. Thanks gone too soon - Posted by: Barry (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2023

  • You and your mom will be in our hearts forever. Love you, man. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Errol Toksoz (Friend) on: Jan 29, 2023

  • You and your mother will always be in my heart. - Posted by: Errol (Friend) on: Jan 29, 2023

  • What if I didn't leave Moose Jaw in a snit or if you picked up the phone when I called B.C? But what if we never met? I wouldn't have these precious memories. Dancing at the Central, cow sign for Mom and dad's 25th and Easter in Thunder Bay. Those church bell's were amazing but you still didn't want to go lol. Only one more what if. What if we met again after my time here is done? Don't know but what if? - Posted by: Crystal McLeod () on: Mar 17, 2016

  • Never be forgotten! One year ago T.J. passed away - Posted by: Barry (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • A toast in memory of a special man on his birthday is only fitting. Always remembered never forgotten. - Posted by: Crystal McLeod (friend ) on: Dec 26, 2014

  • Toast a drink on his birthday December 28. Thanks. - Posted by: barry (friend) on: Dec 17, 2014

  • Taras was a beautiful person who always made me smile. I have known him since arthur day Jr. high school. He had the sweetest disposition. He was always willing to give you anything you wanted. i kniw i bummed many smokes from him. He was one of the first to contact me when i came out of a coma and joined facebook. we used to talk almost daily. i will miss him alot. rest in peace dear taras. - Posted by: Shawn Walsh welling (friend) on: Jul 14, 2014

  • My heart goes out the Sandulak family about TJ. We lost a great guy and this should NOT HAPPEN. I met TJ in Vancouver when I won a trip there. I called him up and we spend the whole day with his mom. Had a lot of laughs. Saw and met him at the Rolling Stones concert in Regina. He met my sister and niece and we spend the whoe day together with lots of laughs again! We kept in touch through phone calls, emails and Facebook every month or every two weeks, especially on holidays and birthdays. We talked about his or my family about great or sad things and we would always laugh. When his mom passed away, it was hard on him. We had a common thing too (my mom passed away in July 2013). He would talk hours about her and I just listen. We met up in Moose Jaw, Sk and met a friend of his, Lori Evart Braun about a year and 1/2 ago. I stayed with her and we had an awesome with TJ. Full of laughter again. He brought us a dozen of roses for each of us. That's the type of guy he was. I talked to 2 weeks before this happen, talking about stuff and laughing my face off. He would send me pictures of Stilettos or high heeled boots bc I love stillettos which I have an abundance of! I adore and loved him. I already miss his voice, "hey girl, whats happening, whats up... ". This should not happen to TJ.... Tears Diana Braun - Posted by: Diana Braun (Exgirlfriend of Nick Sandulak, friend to TJ and Pauline) on: Apr 09, 2014

  • I will miss you! I was your JD you were my Uncle TJ. I will miss our short visits, always too short and how passionate you were about the BIG BLUE... and I guess the Steelers too!!! You will always be in my heart! - Posted by: Jillian Ainge (Neice) on: Apr 04, 2014

  • When I was at Taras's place last time we spent a few hrs watching music videos on his computer. We were both avid Keith Richard fans. We watched some videos of Keith and his band. It is very sad to hear of Taras's passing, and every time I see or hear Keith Richards I will think of Taras and a friendship lost. What has happened? Steve Hickmore, Nova Scotia, Canada. - Posted by: Steve Hickmore (Friend) on: Mar 31, 2014

  • RIP old friend..you always made me laugh ..never a bad thing you said about anybody..and that makes you special bud - Posted by: Tex Williams (School Friend) on: Mar 31, 2014

  • Sorry to hear about Taras's sudden passing. My condolences to you Pauline for losing a sibling so young. - Posted by: Paul Weevers (Friend of Pauline) on: Mar 31, 2014

  • I first met Taras while working at McDonalds. We became close friends in the days working together. We lost touch for a while until searching each other out on Facebook where we caught up on the years lost. Taras was always a positive person, picking you up when you were down by either using one of his quotes or by rendering fitting Stones song. Taras will be truly missed by all that knew him. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Brad Dahl (Freind, Co-Worker) on: Mar 30, 2014

  • Although I only knew Taras via facebook, we were friends for several years and both huge Pittsburgh Steeler and Rocky Bleier fans. We often communicated about our team and favorite players and it was easy to see he was a great guy and super person. I truly regret not ever meeting him in person, but I know that we will meet again someday! My condolences to all his family and friends, I am truly sorry for your loss. Psalms 46:1 - Posted by: Jay Murphy (friend) on: Mar 30, 2014

  • T.J was the amazing person I know. I will miss our long talks about life and there will be an emptiness in my home on your birthday. I love you and you will always be in my heart. - Posted by: sandra frohlich (co-worker, friend) on: Mar 30, 2014

  • My Dearest Friend, we met in Moose Jaw in 1992. You were always there for me, you loved my kids,and they loved you. I loved you as well. Although our lives took different turns, you and I managed to weather a lot of storms. I only wish I could of been more like you. Free to do what ever you needed to do, never shy, never embarresed to openly express your feelings..how cool is that! I remember you calling me to tell me you won Two tickets to Tom Petty, and telling me ''OF COURSE YO ARE GOING WITH ME, SILLY'' I had such a great time in Vancouver with you, you took me on the ''Dinner Boat Cruise'' as well, you showed me the sights. I will never forget that. The Rolling Stones Concert in Regina.. twice in one week-end!! Best seats in the HOUSE! All the times you came over to my house to watch t.v. and just kept me company. Times I gave you heck for being a ''Doh head'' and the times you gave me heck for being a ''Doh head''Honey, we kept each other in line! You Taras, where my best friend! I was glad to meet your family Easter of 2006, (I think I have the yr right) Be at Peace my crazy Steeler's Fan... you left way to soon. I am mad at you for that. I am glad we always left each other saying ''I Love You'! and I will say it again, I LOVE YOU TARAS.I always will.. miss your arms around me in that bear hug I always got!. - Posted by: Lori (Toni) Braun (Dear Friend) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • I was sad to hear of the passing of Taras. First met him at Arthur Day Jr High. We talked on facebook a few times about the good ol' days about friends, school, and music. I will miss him deeply. My condolances to the family. My memories of you will be with me always. - Posted by: Karen Bauch-McClure (school friend) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Taras, I will miss you - from back in the days working at McDonald's to the random Facebook chats we would have, I was always left with a feeling a comfort and happiness. Just witnessing your dedication to your family, friends, your football, and your music was inspirational in the force and passion you put into everything. And then, with every end of the conversation - you always said "All the best, All the time." And you were. - Posted by: Lisa Vivian (Friend, Co-worker, Facebook Fan) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • I am sad to hear about the sudden passing of Taras. I remember Taras as a kid, playing in the Margaret Underhill school yard...he was energetic and always had a smile with a mischievious twinkle in his eyes. When I look at the amazing pictures that are posted of Taras, I can see that he still had that beautiful smile and twinkle in his eyes! My thoughts and prayers are with the Sandulak family and for Taras's friends who I'm sure will miss him. - Posted by: Wanda (Scheirich) (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Billy, so sorry to read that your brother has passed. Stay strong in spirit . - Posted by: Laurie GydĂ© () on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Such a sad loss for a wonderful family. He will be missed by so many. Gone too soon. - Posted by: Gerrie MacCannell (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Grew up in Transcona a year ahead of Taras and went to the same schools. Remember him helping out on our hockey team in the EECC back in our teens. I left Tcona in the early 80s and one day in the early 90s walking the sidewalk to work at the CPR in Moose Jaw I saw this guy I knew I knew from the good ol' days. He saw me and knew me by last name but not first. Turns out we were both workin the CPR. We'd talk about the Transcona days over drinks at the MJ hotel and around the CPR offices. My condolences to Taras' family and friends. - Posted by: Al Moorhouse (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Taras...years zoomed by, years brought change (geographically). I was planning to move west next year and pay you a visit. I'm gonna miss you dude and always remember the Grand Beach volleyball daze!(1978-84). You're in a better place. I know it..you have a'good heart'. Rest in peace my friend. My sincerest condolences to 'ALL'the Sandulaks and I am truly sorry for your brother's sudden passing. LOVE TO ALL! - Posted by: Bill Sheppit (friend ) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • Taras, or TJ as I knew him was as salt of the earth as they come. We were both hired back in 2008 at GM Place as it was called at the time. As I worked my last shift with him a few weeks ago he was like always, smiling, telling jokes and of course talking sports of which I could never keep pace with. It just seemed he knew everything about any sport you wanted to talk about. A few of us guys from work got together a few nights ago to toast knowing such an honest, fun to be around, good friend. Keep your cleats clean and your head up my friend. We will miss you. - Posted by: Dwight (friend ) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • Taras has a Big Good Heart and a Kind Loving Spirit which you can see lives on in many people touched by him regardless if it was 2 weeks ago or 35 yrs ago .. or more ... That is what is so special about this man .. I say that because unconditional love comes to my mind when I think of him.... I am grateful for his friendship. He loved his football teams (Steelers & Bombers) and his hockey teams (Penguins & Jets ) And he loved his family especially. I know we talked about life and I am so glad I got to say Thank you for being my friend while he was alive. God Bless Taras! - Posted by: David Massie Douglas (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2014

  • So very sorry to hear about Taras. I remember your "little" bro- with the beautiful blonde hair. He was always such a nice guy. Tannis - Posted by: Tannis Daly Coleman (Friend) on: Mar 24, 2014

  • I am so sorry we have lost you Taras. We will cry for a while but I believe you are in a better place of peace everlasting. We will all see you again when it's our time to go. - Posted by: Cheryl Dwornick Szeredi (Friends from school and facebook) on: Mar 24, 2014

  • Great guy, saw him a week ago or so at the Yukon Jack. Had some fun times with him all the way back to the moon daze. My condolences to the family, TJ Rocked he was always solid and he is gone too soon. My heart goes out to all his friends and family. We will always have the washroom story. I loved that guy. - Posted by: Kevin D ( Friend) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of Taras passing, my condolences to the Sandulak family. I don't know if I ever told you this Pauline, but my sister, girlfriend and I always had a sweet little crush on Taras when he was a young kid at Arthur Day. He was so cute with his curly blonde hair. We were older than him but that didn't seem to bother us, he was cute and cool. So sorry. - Posted by: Sharon McLaughlin (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • Still very much in shock at your passing. Rest easy, my friend. - Posted by: Barry Horeczy (friend) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • I knew Taras from high school, such a nice guy, my sincere condolences to his family, sleep well. - Posted by: Janice Grift ( Fedorowich ) (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • Taras and I met in grade 7 at Arthur Day Junior High School and then attended Murdoch MacKay Collegiate and finally finished our time together at T.C.I. for our last year together. He was as kind a kid as he was an adult and I got to know him quite well over the last 3 years via Facebook and the internet. It was very nice to actually get to see him recently when he had the chance to come and visit Winnipeg on the not so happy occasion of his Mother's passing. I will miss the many laughs we had together. I hope you have a front row seat in Heaven for the Steelers games. R.I.P. Taras, you will forever hold a place in my heart. - Posted by: Barry Johnson (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • We are so saddened to hear of your loss..our hearts and prayers are with you all - Posted by: Garry and Cheryl Hudzick (family friends) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • Condolences to the Sandulak family....Taras was a really nice guy.....I'm going to miss him..... - Posted by: PATRICK DOYLE (FRIEND) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • Taras and I grew up in Transcona. Even though we were not the same age I knew of him. I knew his family and most of all his sister Pauline. I would always see Taras walking to the bus with his shoulder bag and his long blonde hair. It was not until recently that I finally got to personally met him. It is very unfortunate that I will not get to know him better. There are things in life I understand but there are many I do not. Taras you will be sadly missed. It was a pleasure meeting you and being in my home. - Posted by: Bobbi-Jo Flockton (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • I met Taras back in 85' when he worked at the C.P.R. here in Moose Jaw. We connected right ways thru music, and played music trivia alot.. I seldom could get one over on him. He was always there for me, and became one of thoes friends you NEVER want to lose. He still is! I love you Taras.. - Posted by: Lori (Toni) Braun (dear friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • Taras was a good and caring person from childhood... He was the only one who stuck up for me when I was being bullied by our grade 6 teacher. I will always remember his ability to help others, even if only with a kind word. - Posted by: Brad Klassen (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • Taras and I met through friends of Facebook. He was an original, never a copy. He was somehow always online when I needed a honest friend and heartfelt conversation. He never had a cruel thing to say. He called me Angel. Little did I know He would become one sooner then planned. I will never forget you Taras. Love Always Kiera - Posted by: Kiera T Winters (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • Shocked and saddened by this news. He was a good guy and always sang a damn fine whoo whoo. - Posted by: Vince Gatti (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • My condolences to the the family. Taras was a good man. He will be missed by all. - Posted by: Brad Allison (Friend ) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • Taras was a good friend who loved to talk football and would call me often to do just that. I will miss those calls. However, I will always think of Taras at every Bomber game and of course every Stealers game now and that's a good thing. Rest well my friend. - Posted by: Darryl (Jake) Howell (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • See you round the corner Amigo - Posted by: Glenn Head (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • Became friends with Taras thru Facebook both being Transcona boys. I purchased Taras a Terrible Towel while on a scouting trip to Pittsburgh. He cherished it and was so appreciative. Had many chats on Facebook with Taras. Will certainly miss those. Actually went back & read some of them after finding out of Taras 's passing. He would end with 'All the best, all the time' I know he lost his Mom not that long ago. They are together again. I'm sure his family was proud of him. He was a fine young man. Was gonna get together at Grey Cup this year in Vancouver. Will have a beer on his behalf in November. RIP Taras. See ya down the road. You WILL be missed Craig T Smith-Transcona boy! Saskatchewan Roughriders Director of Player Personnel - Posted by: Craig Smith (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • I photographed an event that Taras attended a few years back. His positive energy, love for every human being and determination to make each and every persons day was very evident. He will continue to shine down on all of us. We will miss you Taras but never forgotten. - Posted by: Hannah Cummins (friend/photographer) on: Mar 22, 2014

  • RIP my friend-you will be missed - Posted by: mark collinsf (friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

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