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JERRY KOCHAN
Born: Nov 04, 1926
Date of Passing: Sep 19, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJERRY KOCHAN
Jerry Yaropolk Kochan was born in a small village in western Ukraine's Sokal province almost 100 years ago. Our Tato, Dido and Pradido lived an early life of upheaval and complication as he and his family navigated numerous difficult life circumstances, especially living through the severe oppression of Ukrainians and the second World War. In 1948, he emigrated to Canada, and eventually to Winnipeg, with his father Volodymyr Kochan, stepmother Lida and brothers, Ivan and Roman.
As a young man in Ukraine Jerry had a passion for singing and soccer which would continue throughout his life. Just recently, singing together as a family, his voice, a beautiful light tenor (never out of tune) was remarkably present, so musical and free. When he arrived in Canada, the first organizations he joined were the YMCA and a Ukrainian soccer league, beginning a lifetime love of exercise and sport. This led to Jerry running in Manitoba’s first marathon at the age of 52.
Tato's father, Volodymyr Kochan, was a man of integrity, intelligence and Ukrainian community service; his mother, Alexandra Dulia Kochan, of creativity and feistiness. They instilled in him a desire to study and do good work. After earning a master's degree in social work from the University of Manitoba, his practice took him to Winnipeg's inner city and beyond, where he respected every client and colleague while helping build a just social system.
In 1951, Jerry married Mary Hnatko at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Winnipeg. They built a life together for almost 60 years, raising two daughters and contributing to community with generosity and humility. Their love for their granddaughters was boundless and Jerry was a wonderful Dido. He loved nature, especially the mountains, and family holidays were often spent visiting some of the most beautiful regions of Canada and the United States, taking in the wonder of the world he revered.
Jerry was most recently predeceased by his oldest brother, Ivan; his wife, Mary; and his son-in-law, Nestor Budyk. He leaves behind those who love him and will remember him always: daughters, Alexis Kochan and Donna Bryk (Tom Bryk); granddaughters, Nykola Ng (Warren Ng) and Nina Bryk (Shaemus Campbell); and great-grandchildren, Avery and Nathan Ng. He is also survived by sister-in-law Helen Lisoway; her daughters, Jennifer and Susan and their families; and brother-in-law Don Hnatko; his family in California, brother Roman, his children and grandchildren and his late brother Ivan’s children and grandchildren.
We are grateful to Extendicare Charleswood, Jerry's last residence, where he received outstanding care and kindness.
A private funeral was held at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church where Jerry had been a member for over 60 years.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2026
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Dear Donna and Tom - please accept our heartfelt condolences for your great loss. Let the treasured memories of your Dad give you strength, peace and comfort during these difficult days and going forward. God Bless. Take good care of each other. Gloria and Andy Chizick. - Posted by: Gloria Chizick (Friends) on: Oct 02, 2026
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Although I never got to meet Jerry, I know him well through my father, Frank Lawrence who met him every morning for coffee for quite some time. My Dad spoke of Jerry often and their friendship was very important to him. I know they are enjoying a coffee together again. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Gretchen Cantafio (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2026