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VICTOR DOROSCHUK
Date of Passing: Jan 30, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryVICTOR DOROSCHUK Peacefully with his daughter by his side, Victor Doroschuk passed away on January 30, 2015, at the age of 92. Victor was predeceased by his wife Jean, sons Glenn and Greg, brother Valen and sister Olga. He will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of family who survive him - daughter Gaylene Romero (Oscar), his grandchildren Victoria and Marco, siblings Oresta, Marge and Dennis, special cousin Jean Maksymyk, nieces and nephews. Born in the rural Interlake District, Dad learned the ethics of hard work and family which guided his entire life. He was always known for his endless energy and goodwill to any or all who required it. Dad was a strong believer in Democracy and a Proud Canadian. He valiantly joined the infantry in 1944 when he was prepared to fight for his country during the Second World War. He was awarded Government Merit for his voluntary participation in the secret and hazardous trials of chemical warfare agent testing. Victor married Jean Specaluk in 1948. She was his "birdie" and he treated her like a queen for the next 65 years. Together, with mutual respect and love, they created a close knit family with three children. Dad dedicated himself to his family life. Dad had a solution to every problem and a hug for every tear. He was our Hero. When his eldest son fell invalid he relentlessly searched for cures and compassionately cared for him. With his second son's death he persevered with a broken heart. Dad was a devotee of physical fitness. He was active in curling, bowling, cycling and baseball. He was a lifetime member of the CNR Gym - "working out" right into his 80's - where he held his own bench pressing with men half his age. He effortlessly played softball with the "Over 60's" in Kildonan Park until age 87! He ran bases for those who couldn't and was the "Home Run" king for countless seasons! Dad spent 35 years diligently working for CNR as a locomotive engineer. He was well liked and respected. Retirement did not slow Dad down. He taught High School Driver's Education - he coached his novice drivers to navigate the drive through window of McDonalds Restaurants where he treated them to lunch! He could often be found doing repairs up on a roof, planting a garden, walking a dog, cooking perogies, harvesting crops at the farm, visiting with neighbours and joyously partaking in all of Mom's hobbies. His best times were spent at his cottage in White Lake. His passion for blueberry and mushroom picking, fishing, boating and picnics was infectious. He passed on a love for outdoors which his grandchildren enjoy today. Always a special moment with Dad was the evening walk when he recited folklore of the region. Dad, you will always be with me on our hikes! Gigi will be profoundly missed by his grandchildren Victoria and Marco. Dad was a devoted grandfather who relished in walks to the playground, toboggan rides and creating mesmerizing bedtime stories. Even in his last days he delighted in their presence and had a hug to bestow upon them. Although his last few years were quietly spent at Deer Lodge Centre, he had an endearing smile and twinkle in his eyes which easily made him a cherished grandfather or "Gigi" to all who met him. Many thanks to all staff who provided an atmosphere of dignity and devotion. Thanks as well to all the good neighbours on Harold Avenue. As per Dad's wishes there will be no service and a private interment will be held. May each one of you have the courage to face the challenges of life as stoically as my Dad did. May he be an inspiration to all. Love you Dad, forever.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2015
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Vic was my training engineer at CNR when I first trained. He was always patient and easy going! I'm glad he lived a long life. Great guy !!! - Posted by: colin (friend from work) on: Jun 22, 2015
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My condolences to you Gaylene and family in the loss of your father and grandfather. Your mom and dad have had a special place in my heart for many years, they allowed Greg and I to grow with our music man business. There was a lot of special effects and audio equipment and back in the day none of it was small. While the conversations while we were going out the door were to remind of core values and rules, we never missed a gig because of what we did the week before. The level of Love, Patience and Trust that was granted to us back then was immense and it allowed Greg I to take on bigger tasks later down the road. I was truly blessed to have your dad be part of my life. - Posted by: Chuck Leibert (Friend) on: Feb 17, 2015
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On behalf of the TRANSCONA GARDEN CLUB members who were associated with Victor and Jean, I would like to express my condolences to you and your family. Victor was given the distinguished award of Honorary Life member because of his extensive involvement and support of the activities of the Garden Club. We have missed Jean and Victor at our meetings and shows. A memorial to him will be included in our 2015 Showbook. - Posted by: Patricia Osmond, President TRANSCONA GARDEN CLUB (friend) on: Feb 15, 2015
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He didn't always get a Strike but it was fun having him in our league...we missed him and Jean for the last few years! RIP. - Posted by: Karen and George (friends from Bowling) on: Feb 10, 2015
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So very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visits with your parents. There was always laughter in those visits. Your Dad was the only one brave enough to attempt to teach Mom (Olga) how to drive after Dad passed. I know how very much he loved his family. Joan - Posted by: Joan (Tennese) Hood () on: Feb 09, 2015
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Gaylene...sorry to read of this. I'll have Garry tell Olga tomorrow. Gunny Tennese - Posted by: Gunny Tennese (relative) on: Feb 07, 2015
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On behalf of all our Comrades, May we offer our sincere condolences to you and all of your family. LEST WE FORGET, WE WILL REMEMBER 1VP KVA EAGLE54@MYMTS.NET - Posted by: tony thiele (comdad) on: Feb 07, 2015
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My sympathy to the family at the loss of a father and grandfather who meant a lot to them. I had the pleasure of meeting Victor while volunteering on breakfast duty at Tower 4 in Deer Lodge Center. It was when Gaylene, Victoria and Marco came to visit that we found out we knew mutual friends and thus we carried on conversations. I hope to see the 3 of you again somewhere, if not at Deer Lodge Centre- perhaps at a school in River Heights area. My deepest sympathy to your family. Garry Kirk - Posted by: Garry Kirk (Acquaintance volunteer from Deer Lodge Centre) on: Feb 07, 2015
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What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful gentleman. His love for his family was very evident. Victor will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Hold on to your memories, and he will always be close to you. - Posted by: Geri Gray (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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So sorry to hear of Victor's passing. We were good neighbours at White Lake for many, many years. Let the new cottage be a memorial to his love of cottage life and his family. My condolences to Gaylene, Oscar, Victoria, Marco and other family members. - Posted by: Ron Nowicki (Lake Neighbour and friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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So sorry to hear this news Gaylene. Your parents were wonderful people and I have fond memories of their smiles, and the funny stories Greg would tell us about them. When we were in high school, in history class Greg delivered a lesson (project) as a dictator. The dictator's name was Vic. Greg made us march, chanting "hail Vic!" I asked him if he thought his dad was a dictator. Greg said no, just strong with a charismatic personality. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Cathy Campbell (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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I was fortunate to know Mr. Doruschuk who I grew up knowing as "Big Vic" because my friend and schoolmate Greg was "Little Vic". Their family treated me like I was one of their own children, and I have fond memories of visiting their home and their cabin in the Whiteshell. Mr. Doruschuk and my father were both railway engineers with The Canadian National Railway for many years and our connection very strong and deeply genuine. The warm hearted smile and laugh that greeted me and the tussle of my hair by Mr. Doruschuck are fondly remembered from my youth. To Gaylene and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time and know that heaven has one more angel. - Posted by: Dave Konkin (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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Dear Gaylene and family: I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I remember meeting him a few times back in Winnipeg and he seemed as nice as you have put in your tribute. Hope you're all well and will get through this loss. - Posted by: Ralph Levenstein (friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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OH Gigi was such a nice man... he was so easy to work with...always had a smile....I loved to watch him play catch with his daughter...they looked so happy ..I will miss him - Posted by: HCA Deer Lodge () on: Feb 07, 2015
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I will always remember Vic in the middle of winter, loading up the kids in his van and driving out to CNR hill on Plessis and taking everyone tobogganing, many, many years ago when the family lived on Pandora Ave. - Posted by: Rod Colligno (friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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Gaylene, Oscar ,Victoria and Marco, My deepest condolences for your loss. I know what a huge part your dad/grandfather played in your lives. Always know that he is still with you and will be watching over you every day. Celebrate his life by remembering all the wonderful times you shared together. Cherish those memories. I wish you Peace, Love and Strength during this difficult time and know that I am always here for you. Your Friend, Lisa Mestdagh - Posted by: Lisa Mestdagh (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2015
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We are so sorry to learn of your father's passing. We know he will be greatly missed by your family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. - Posted by: Kuprowski family (neighbor at White Lake) on: Feb 07, 2015
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As next door neighbours, Victor and Jean were the BEST!!! They were such a team. . .gardening, cooking, bowling, picking mushrooms, etc. They were such giving people who generously shared their bounty. We so admired their zest for living, found especially in their activities well into their 80's and for Victor, into his 90's. We would often see Victor going off to the gym, baseball or taking Josie for walks. The obituary certainly speaks to the man that Victor was. We treasure the memories on Harold Avenue East and are so blessed to have had both Victor and Jean in our lives. Their wonderful legacy lives on. . . .so loved and never forgotten! - Posted by: Ken and Linda Boughton (Next door neighbours) on: Feb 07, 2015