NICHOLAS (MYKOLA) TODORUK

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NICHOLAS (MYKOLA) TODORUK Following a heroic battle with cancer, Nicholas (Mykola) Todoruk, aged 72, passed peacefully into the loving arms of God on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 supported by the love and care of his family in his own home. Words cannot adequately describe how much Nick will be missed by family and close friends. Born in Arborg, MB on March 7, 1932 Nick left "the farm" at age 16 to work in a variety of positions as cook, catapiller operator, mechanic and welder in several communities throughout Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He married Barbara Durrant on June 21, 1958 and settled back in Arborg where they raised their family. Nick was a gifted welder and mechanic who took pride in his work and although he retired in 1997 others still sought him out for his exceptional work, for advice, or for assistance with a mechanical or welding problem. Nick was a very gentle person who always put the needs of his family before his own. Family was his passion and in fact Nicks greatest pleasure was when his family was all together in the home he built for them on "the farm". He ensured that everyone in his immediate and extended family always felt loved and supported. Nick was a kind, generous, strong person who in his quiet way taught those around him to treasure simplicity. The simplicity of family life, the simplicity of cherishing each other and the simplicity of looking after the land. "Look after the land and you will be greatly rewarded." Everything was recycled, reused or repaired and as a result he created a sustainable farmland long before society at large became aware of the need to look after our environment. Gardening was another passion. Plants were nurtured along from seedling to harvest with the greatest care. Whether it was vegetables, fruit, or his rose garden, he took great delight in sharing the bounty and the beauty. Profoundly saddened by Nicks loss are his son David (Darlene) Todoruk; daughter Sharon (Michael) Campbell and daughter Michelle (Gerry) Orchard. He will be missed most of all by his grandchildren, Bryanne and Harrison Todoruk, who truly were the light of his life. Also saddened by his loss are sisters, Lena Todoruk, Pearl Lisowick and Pauline Paterson; brothers-in-law, Robert (Margie) Durrant and Donald Durrant (Rita Shachtay) and numerous other relatives, nieces and nephews. Nick was predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara in June 2002; his parents, Dora and Peter Todoruk; two infant sisters; sisters, Mary Dachuk and Nellie Todoruk; uncles, John Knehinicki and Mike Klym and brothers-in-law, Harry Dachuk and Bill Paterson. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Ernst Greyvenstein, Shannon Pyziak, Georgina Ball and to the physicians and staff who cared for Nick at the Arborg and District Health Centre. A special thank you to Lenore and Heather for their kindness, care and compassion in assisting Nick in his return back home from hospital. Funeral services will be held at the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church in Arborg, MB on Tuesday, September 28 at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Trudy Thorarinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Nick to CancerCare Manitoba or to the Ardal Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to: ARBORG (MACKENZIE) FUNERAL HOME.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2004