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DARWIN RONALD KUPCHUK
Born: Dec 01, 1949
Date of Passing: Jul 26, 2019
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DARWIN RONALD KUPCHUK
December 1, 1949 - July 26, 2019
A private family funeral has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate his life and share memories will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Selkirk Legion, 403 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba. Refreshments will be served.
Publish Date: Aug 17, 2019
DARWIN RONALD KUPCHUK
December 1, 1949 - July 26, 2019
Darwin was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, and lived in the area his entire life. From the beginning he had a passion for sports and physical activity. In his teens he discovered karate and worked his way up to a fourth-degree black belt. He achieved the title of Manitoba Champion, and competed internationally in the World Championship in Japan, as well as competing in Venezuela in the 1980s. In those days the sport was often full contact, and he had the marks to show for it! During this time, he also graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse from the Selkirk Mental Health Centre (SMHC) and began employment there in 1972. Through the years he advanced from Staff Nurse, to Charge Nurse, to Coordinator of Patient Services. He also taught Aggression Management classes to the staff. Just when everyone was convinced Darwin would be a lifelong bachelor, he met his wife Rachelle in 1992. Together they had sons, Joshua and Tanner, and daughter Tegan. Darwin took to fatherhood easily, and enjoyed everything from bathing, feeding and changing diapers, to coaching and driving the kids to their activities. He was a fabulous and very involved Dad! 2014 brought tragedy, with the death of 20-year-old Joshua. The whole family was devastated. Darwin never returned to work and retired from SMHC in 2015. Soon his own health began to fail and worsen. We take comfort in knowing his suffering is over and Darwin and Joshua are reunited with our Lord.
Left to cherish his memory are Rachelle (nee Polet), Tanner and Tegan, father-in-law Bert Polet, brother Lawrence, as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn is special friend Raymond Davis, as well as numerous co-workers from over the years. He was predeceased by Joshua, parents, Peter and Mary, brother Leon and mother-in-law Jean Polet.
We are very grateful to the staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre and Betel Home of Selkirk for the exemplary care provided these past months.
Darwin we will forever mourn the loss of you and Joshua. We will find peace in knowing that you are together, and we will all be reunited again with the Lord for eternity. Until then we will cherish the memory of the kind, loving and devoted gentle giant that you were.
A private family service will be held.
Bardal Funeral Home
204-774-7474
Condolences: www.bardal.ca
Publish Date: Aug 3, 2019
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2019, Aug 17, 2019
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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RIP "Rooster" will always remember your incredible hard work ethic. - Posted by: Vaurn James (Fellow Karate Practitioner) on: May 13, 2025
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I am surprised to hear of Darwin's passing. Having trained with him for many years I came to know him as a kind man and fierce competitor both of which I greatly respected. My sincere condolences to his family - Posted by: Keith Fitzgerald (friend) on: Aug 25, 2019
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I feel so fortunate to have known Darwin, trained with him and learned from him. He really was a ‘gentle giant’ with a huge heart. He would move heaven and earth to help family and friends. I can't count the number of times he knocked me on my ass, helped me up, dusted me off and then with a wry smile said "Let's try that again". The memory of the decade we trained together feel as vivid as yesterday. I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to your family. - Posted by: Bill Young (Fellow Karate Member / Sparring Partner) on: Aug 25, 2019
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My sincere condolences to Darwin’s family. I haven’t seen Darwin since the 1980s but have fond memories of him from karate competitions. The most memorable memory is a tournament in Winnipeg; we were matched together and I broke my leg on his knee. Of course he wasn’t hurt, he was a very tough guy, built like “The Rock”, but a very gentle and sincere person. So sorry that he has passed. - Posted by: Bino Felix (Fellow karate competitor ) on: Aug 15, 2019
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Darwin was a year ahead of me in the Psych Nursing Program at Selkirk. Shortly after I started the program, my beloved Grandma ended up in Hospital and I needed a ride into Wpg. Darwin came to the rescue. He gave me rides back and forth when he went to Wpg for his Karate. My Grandmother died shortly after but I was able to spend time with her thanks to Darwin. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Colleen Turnley (Friend and from class of 1973 one year behind ) on: Aug 06, 2019
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I'm one of Darwin's Karate Students from the Winnipeg Beach Karate club going back over 25 years ago. It was a tight group of 6 core members. I can truly speak for everyone in our club that Darwin made a huge impact in all of our lives. The deep roots of respect and discipline that were taught, are so valuable. We all have great respect for this man. Rest in peace Sensei - Posted by: Adam Smolinski (Karate teacher ) on: Aug 06, 2019
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To Darwin's family, please accept my sincere condolences regarding his passing. I met Darwin when I first started karate training at the U of Wpg (late '70s early '80s). As my abilities grew I became his sparring partner as our size & style were similar. We became friends as well. Unfortunately we lost contact as time went by. Darwin was instrumental when I obtained my shodan. His training stayed with me as I incorporated those lessons in teaching self defense with the Wpg Police Service. Darwin exemplified the "code of Bushido". It's a cliche to say that he was one of a kind but Darwin truly was. He will be missed. However, as a follower of our Lord Jesus I will meet him again in Heaven.. "Osu" my friend !! - Posted by: Donald Brown (Friend & fellow Karateka) on: Aug 05, 2019
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I had met Darwin back in the l980s in Winnipeg when he had come in for one of his Karate classes. I had been out of touch for a number of years until I saw him come through at the Airport a while back & wished him well. Myself & my son have cherished a lot of good memories from those past days & offer our heartfelt & sincere condolences to family & friends. God Bless you all at this trying time. - Posted by: Carol Miller (Friend) on: Aug 03, 2019
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I remember Darwin teaching us self defense at the hospital. He was very good at this but made it fun. Sympathy to his family and friends. Rest in peace along side your son. - Posted by: Teri Walker (Co-worker S.M.H.C.) on: Aug 03, 2019
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I have a lot of memories of Darwin from the days of the Winnipeg karate club. He was always congenial to deal with. My condolences to Randy and the rest of the family. - Posted by: phil mowatt (former member of Winnipeg Karate Club) on: Aug 03, 2019