RYAN WILLIAM TALOCKA

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RYAN WILLIAM TALOCKA

Following a two-year illness Ryan Talocka, beloved son of Dan and Lorna Talocka, passed away at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, ON on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Ryan was born in the same hospital on April 5, 2002, and lived in Laclu almost all of his life. He attended Keewatin Public School and later graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School in 2020 during the height of the COVID19 pandemic. Thanks to the creativity of school and his parents, Ryan was able to safely celebrate this important event with family and friends. Ryan loved almost every sport. He played hockey, downhill skiing, volleyball, soccer, golf, and badminton but he would tell you that his favourite activity was swimming. He was an accomplished swimmer but was most often seen diving from the dock or cliff jumping rather than actually swimming. Ryan (known to his friends as Big T) loved hanging out with the guys whether it was with his pals, his dad’s friends or his family.

Ryan was quiet in nature, content to just listen most of the time. His buddies disagree with that description because they knew another side of him. Quiet as he was, he was never too shy to interject a personal comment or opinion to set us straight if he thought our conversation had gone off track. He was easily pleased and ready to join in to whatever was going on whether a card game, an impromptu fishing outing or giving his dad a helping hand on a jobsite. In 2023 Ryan enjoyed the vacation of his life. He joined his pal Kennedy and his family in Mexico. He was thrilled with that and often spoke about going back there.

During his illness, many people stopped in to give Ryan some fun and to let him know he was loved. That included regular adventures with his dad and their friend Neil in search of the best hamburger in Winnipeg; evening cribbage games where he relentlessly teased his mom and grandpa about their play; and a wonderful 23 birthday party attended by 50 plus family and friends.

During his illness, Ryan never complained about the many pokes and prods, scans, and treatments. He worked hard to regain his strength, never giving up or refusing to do what was necessary to get well. His legacy is the inspiration he left with us to do our best even when its difficult.

Besides his parents, Ryan will be forever remembered and loved by his Nana, Annette Roulston; his grandparents, Don and Heather Talocka; his aunts and uncles, Beth, Keith (Lori), Kevin (Michelle), Jodi (Brad), and Marnie; cousins Marci, Derek, Miriah, Tanner, Quinton and Kaden and his many friends from Kenora and Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his Papa, Lorne Roulston, and his uncle Todd Olson.

Special thanks to Ryan’s CancerCare team; Dr. S. Banerji, Melanie, MacKenzie, and Caitlin; and Lake of the Woods District Hospital Palliative Care team; Dr. J. Kroeker, Dr. A. Whiley, Char, and the wonderful nurses who took care of Ryan.

A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at a later date. Meanwhile, his parents encourage you to reach out with photo’s or stories to round out the Story of Ryan.

Please consider a contribution in Ryan’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Talocka family can be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2026