RALPH STEVEN TANCHAK

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• I am beyond sad to read the news of Ralph’s passing. What a great man and artist, he was a wonderful friend. - Posted by: Candice Ferguson (Artist friend) on: Jun 07, 2019

• As part of the local art community, I will remember Ralph as always empathetic, encouraging and more than willing to lend a helping hand.He has been a long time stalwart supporter of the local art scene and his support was meaningful and appreciated. - Posted by: Hermina Hildebrand (Friend in art) on: May 31, 2019

• We had so much fun. I miss you and Pat. People come into our lives and we are never the same, Thank you for helping us succeed in our travels. - Posted by: Anita Lankhout Kiernicki (Co worker ) on: May 31, 2019

• My mother had a a great admiration for her niece, Pat, and would spend hours speaking with her by phone. Living in Minneapolis, I never really got to know Pat very well, nor some of my other cousins living in Manitoba. A number of years ago, I decided that needed to change and my mother, Auntie Ena, and I started making annual trips. We split the time between Pat and Ralph's in Stonewall and at my second cousin, Flo's in Winnipeg. I'm grateful I was able to get to know and love Pat and Ralph. As others have stated, Ralph had an infectious sense of humor and a great smile to match. He was always proud to turn out a perfect lemon meringue pie he made for guests. He was proud too of his art works, which are amazing. He was the perfect example of how practice makes perfect. Another thing he loved was the leather coat either Pat bought for him, or "let him buy". But he was most proud of his family - children and grandchildren. You couldn't walk through the house without photos of you guys in various phases of your life, gazing down at us. I know your parents would want us to stay in touch with all of you as the years go by, and to be on "watch" for them here on earth, as they now watch over you from the Unseen Place, where all is amazing for them now, but all to painful for you in your loss. I'm thinking of you and sending thoughts of love as you now grieve the loss of your father. He will be missed. - Posted by: Val Olson (Cousin (By marriage)) on: May 29, 2019

• Ralph was a true friend who will truly be missed. He loved Jesus and I will always cherish those times even in small group we would get wound up and silly. He had done caricatures of me and my family which are just precious. It amazes me how he could capture not only our looks but also our personalities with just simple lines. Looking forward to spending time with him again and this time with Jesus! - Posted by: Ken Yorke (Friend) on: May 29, 2019

• Ralph and Pat were really good friends over the years. We shared plenty through Facebook especially once they were posting his sculptures and paintings. His caricature that Ralph made of me 2 years ago makes it even more precious. I'm glad to have had dinner with him a little over a month ago as we reminisced, but at the same time shocked to hear that he too was battling cancer. Both Ralph and Pat will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Gilbert Meilleur (High School friend) on: May 29, 2019

• Condolences to Ralph Tanchuk's family. I only new Ralph a short time, but the love and friendship we both had for life and art was so very obvious. Our April group show at Gwen Fox Gallery was an extrodenary fate in both our art worlds. And yes we both sat for numerous moments reflecting on nature and art, as well as the love of family. Prayers go out to the Family and those who knew him so well. - Posted by: Clyde D. Finlay and Family (Artist and friend) on: May 28, 2019

• He was a great guy and will be sadly missed by many lots. I remember him at Wonder Shows drawing, being funny, making people smile and laugh. He had a great sense of humor too. Now he is with the love of his life, true companion, Patricia. Dancing, smiling, laughing having a good old time up there in heaven with each other. RIP Ralph. You will be missed too. - Posted by: Beverley (Friend ) on: May 28, 2019

• Ralph (and Pat) were a HUGE part of our lives. Faithful friends who we shared MUCH with. They are and will be missed. They loved Jesus and are having a wonderful reunion right now, and one day we will join them. Thank God for this Living HOPE. Rest in God's Great Peace my friends. Many hugs to you Larissa, Julianne and Jonathan. Never stop looking "up". - Posted by: Irene Armishaw (Friend) on: May 28, 2019

• He will be missed. - Posted by: Rhonda (Niece) on: May 28, 2019

• Ralph was a good friend enjoyed going for breakfast with him - Posted by: Allan Hoehn (Friend ) on: May 28, 2019

• As a participant in Katimavik I billeted with Ralph and Pat many years ago. They brought me in to their home and shared what they had to offer. Ralph encouraged me to paint and allowed me to use his supplies to make a painting during my stay. Their kindness was and is rare. I am deeply saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. He will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Alex Forsyth (Friend) on: May 28, 2019

• Our condolences on the loss of your father and Gido. we will remember Ralph as a longtime friend and neighbor. May he rest in peace. Barry and Joyce Mankewich - Posted by: Barry and Joyce Mankewich (Friends) on: May 28, 2019

• While my father Ted Switzer, knew Ralph for many years, Rick and I have only known Ralph and Pat for the last 10 or so years. We are happy to have know two of the most genuinely nice and honest people we have ever met. Our world has truly lost two very wonderful people who worked hard to help others. We are saddened to have lost them. We send heartfelt condolences and strength to Ralph and Pat's family. - Posted by: Eileen and Rick Stapleton (Friend) on: May 28, 2019

• Linda and I have lived next door to Ralph for the past 19 years, and have many fond memories of both Ralph and Pat. We marvelled at the dedication and hard work spent- often well past darkness and even in bad weather- on their meticulous lawn and gardens. Together, we battled the scourge of mosquitoes each summer. Ralph would even weigh what the trap caught and would proudly report to us how many mosquitoes we had eliminated from the neighbourhood! What we will miss the most is probably just the chats in the driveway, which were always very enjoyable, but often left us late in getting to our destination (lol). Ralph's passing will leave a huge hole in both our neighbourhood and our community and beyond, but we will be comforted and think fondly of him every time we see one of his murals or works of art. His mark on the world is a visible one that can be enjoyed by all for many years to come. We will see you later, neighbour... - Posted by: John & Linda McIntyre (Next Door Neighbour) on: May 28, 2019

• Ralph was so amazing and talented. Between him and Pat they were a force of friendship, helping out whenever they could. Ralph providing flax seed for our son when he was suffering from bed sores to Pat offering to take our 3 children when we needed to do an emergency trip to Calgary in 1992. Being invited to Ralph & Pat's baptism is a memory I will cherish. So happy that they are both together again, and yet sad that the world has lost two precious people. - Posted by: Joyce Thiessen (Friend) on: May 28, 2019

• My sincere condolences to the entire TANCHAK family. Ralph was an amazing friend and I will miss him immensely. I cannot attend his service because I am out of the province for work. I will honour his artwork in my home and generations of my family will as well. - Posted by: James Connery (Friend ) on: May 28, 2019

• Iam sorry to hear about the lost of your father! I remember our adventures from Warren, when he came to help Bryan drywall! Always offering an hand! May God be with you all through this journey ahead! - Posted by: Donna Jones Turner (Friend) on: May 28, 2019