TARAS STANLEY TUTKALUK (1942 - 1999)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

TARAS STANLEY TUTKALUK (1942 - 1999) Peacefully on November 12, 1999 at his residence Taras beloved husband of Sandra passed away at the age of 57. Taras is survived by his wife Sandra; sons, Jeff and Toby; daughters-in-law, Rachelle and Kathryn; grandsons, Dawson and Joel; mother Tina Obach; sister Agnes; brother-in-law Harry Dola; sister-in-law Gloria Pertson and husband Earl and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Taras was predeceased by his father Anthony; brother Steve and stepfather John Obach. Taras was born on January 25, 1942 in Teulon, MB. He grew up learning about and loving the outdoors, particularly hunting, in and around Komarno. He worked most of his adult life as a soil and concrete technician for M. Block and Associates. He also spent time in Quebec, northwestern Ontario and northern Manitoba working as a technician on large construction projects. He retired from M. Block and Associates in 1995 after approximately 30 years of employment. Taras loved to hunt, fish and garden at and around his cabin in Komarno and it was there that the love of the outdoors was instilled in his sons and grandsons. He was a caring and compassionate man who would always lend a helping hand to those who needed it. He was a devoted husband and father who took interest and pride in his sons achievements. Taras had a great sense of humour - always ready with a one-liner and even though he suffered ill health for the last several years he still managed to smile, joke and keep up his hearty laugh. Our Dad was a great man. He was a husband, a father, a mentor, an uncle, a proud grandfather and a good friend. He taught us about life, nature and the outdoors. He kept the boogey man away when we were young and provided support and guidance as we grew up. He could fix anything that didnt work or at least knew what had to be done to get it working again. He taught us right from wrong and the virtue of hard work. Although we seldom told him that we loved him we know he knew how dear and special he was to us. We shared an unbreakable bond of love, respect and admiration as we learned about the world around us and as he watched us grow. Our Dad is in a better place now and in the whole scheme of things we will be reunited shortly. We have no doubt that he will watch over us. We love you Dad. God Bless. Prayers will be held at the Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, MB on Monday, November 15 from 7:00 p.m. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 16 at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Komarno, MB at 10:00 a.m. with Deacon Peter Chorney officiating. Interment to follow at the Komarno cemetery. Pallbearers will be his sons, Jeff and Toby, nephew Harvey Dola, Gordon Fries, Eddy Hradowy and Tommy Frederick. Honourary Pallbearers will be Jim Swaykowski and the many close friends Taras acquired over the years. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Tarass memory to the Heart and Stroke or Diabetes Foundations of MB. We can still see your smile and we still hear your voice You suddenly left us, but it wasnt your choice You struggled a long time, your suffering was great It was your time to go and you couldnt wait Youre finally at rest, all your pain now has ceased From your long years of illness, youve at last been released Well remember you always for your kind caring ways And the love that you gave us, which brought joy to our days Through the streams and across the fields of heaven youll roam And youll hunt and youll fish in your special new home We know youll be happy and will have a good life For your worries have ended, youre now free from strife PS Leave some fish, birds and deer for us. Our eternal love Your family. Gilbart Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 1999