Obituary of WILLIAM TANCHAK

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father and Gido William (Bill) Tanchak on June 8, 2024 at Holy Family Home.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Irene of 69 years; his children Jo (Ray), Cheryl (Michael), Brenda, Ken, Bill (Donna) and Belinda (Brad), grandchildren Brad (Jackie), Tim, Paul (Cassie), Danielle (Arthur), Jasmine, Marissa, Brendan, Kendall, Zachary, and Kaden, great grandchildren Tyler, Acadia, Nickolas, Xander, Aria, Sawyer, Andrianna, Oaklynn, and siblings John, Olga and Iris along with numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Mary, grandson Cory, siblings Anne, Nettie, Effie, Kay, & Peter.

Dad was born in Rosa, Manitoba on June 21,1931. At a young age, he left the family farm to work on the railroad as a cook. Here his life adventure began. He travelled with the railroad and enjoyed talking about the places he saw, especially Churchill. He met Irene at the Red Barn Dance Hall in Winnipeg. They were wed on September 4, 1954.

Dad left the railroad and took his cooking skills to Rae & Jerry's Steakhouse where he worked for many years as a Sous Chef. Dad left Rae & Jerry’s as he was offered a position with Ritz Foods to manage many of their cafeteria/ concessions throughout Winnipeg. While with Ritz Foods dad mentored many special needs individuals helping them learn skills so they could live independently.

Dad and Mom had the entrepreneurial bug and they formed Bilrene’s Catering. They operated their catering service for 30 years before retiring. And so, we thought. Dad could be found every Friday & Sunday parked on Highway 59 N selling his perogies. For the next 20 years every Saturday you would find him at the St. Norbert Market with Mom selling Ukrainian cuisine and baked goods.

Dad and Mom had an adventurous life. They travelled to many destinations. Spending time with Mom is what Dad enjoyed the most. Whether it was bowling, dancing, fishing, going to Skinners, the mall, a casino or just sitting watching T.V. he loved doing it with her.

Special thanks to Holy Family Home, Father Bodhan Lukie and the spiritual care team and especially the staff on 5A for the wonderful compassionate care they gave Dad. He truly loved it there. It was home to him.

A private family Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church followed by Interment in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lubov Foundation (Holy Family) for patient care.

Vichna Pamyat