Obituary of ANTHONY JOHN SIANCHUK

Anthony “Tony” John Sianchuk, 77, of Winnipeg, passed away on March 21, 2024, after a decades-long struggle with his health, starting with kidney disease in 1978 and its numerous side effects. Through all of his many medical challenges, he remained positive, grateful for more years, sharp-minded and provided a great example to family and friends to continue living life, no matter what challenges you encounter. Tony shed his earthly pain and made a graceful exit.  

Tony was born on April 10, 1946, to William and Mary Sianchuk in Grandview, Manitoba. During his childhood he was a natural athlete, excelling in all sports, especially hockey. If you were going through his goalie crease you knew two things: your ankles would be slashed, and you probably wouldn't score. After Tony graduated from the Dauphin Collegiate Technical Institute, he was a hotelier for 25+ years, revolutionizing the hospitality industry by bringing live country and western music to Winnipeg.  A good time could always be had at the various hotels he owned and operated.

In 1971, Tony asked the Ukrainian Babka who owned the rooming house he was living in to help him find a wife. Babka knew the woman for him: her granddaughter Gaylene Prodaniuk of Vernon, BC. A year later Gaylene and her cousin moved into another room of Babka’s rooming house. The three of them enjoyed many meals together. Shortly after, Tony and Gaylene married and went on to have two wonderful children, three energetic grandchildren, and many playful dogs.

Over the years, Tony took pleasure in car trips to have a “swine time” with his parents in Dauphin, appreciate the warm BC weather with his in-laws in Vernon, get away across the border to North Dakota, as well as travel across the prairies to Calgary, where his daughter and her family live. Coaching his son in hockey and his daughter in soccer brought him much pleasure. Tony or “Didi” found great joy in sharing his wisdom and stories to all his children and grandchildren. His family needed to be prepared that asking one question would often result in an entertaining 30-minute answer. Didi’s expertise in making sandwiches, omelets, and many other dishes has left two generations with delicious foods to aspire to reproduce. Another passion of his was watching Bloomberg News Network to satisfy his daily desire to analyze financials, with a calculator always within arms reach in every room of the house. Didi also had a soft spot for pets. He had many dogs himself and warmly welcomed, played with, and trained several granddogs.

The family was very blessed with an extra 28 years after his first life-threatening scare and they all celebrated his 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2023 with a backyard BBQ, including the original speech to the bride and a few pieces of the actual wedding cake.

Tony was predeceased by his parents William and Mary, brother Alex, and sister Alice. Left to lovingly remember him are wife, Gaylene; daughter Jackie Donner (Peter); son Jason (Maggie); grandchildren, Caleb, Emmett, and Jules; and grand fur babies.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada or charity of your choice. A short prayer service will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street Tuesday April 2, 2024, 7:00pm.