Obituary of PAWEL TROCHANOWSKI

Paul Trochanowski
At the age of 54
1970 – 2024

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Paul Trochanowski announce his sudden passing on July 25, 2024.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Anna, his children Marko, Julia, Nadia, and family dog Nika; his sister Ewa, nephews Piotr and Tomasz, his parents Krystyna and Dymitr. He leaves also his in- laws, Bozena and Zenon, as well as, his brother-in-law Tomasz; aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Paul was born in Legnica, Poland and came to Canada in 1992 at the age of 22. He went to St. John’s and Gordon Bell High School and graduated in 1993. He continued to the University of Winnipeg graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Germanic Studies and Justice & Law Enforcement. He furthered his studies by earning a Bachelor of Education degree in 2001, a Post Baccalaureate degree in Administration in 2005, and finally his Master’s degree in Education in 2008. Later in 2018 Paul acquired special education certification from Brandon University.  

Paul started his career in Winnipeg, teaching at Weston and Chief Peguis schools. He and his family then relocated to Dauphin in 2012 where Paul was Principal at the English, Ukrainian bilingual Smith-Jackson School. The family eventually returned to Winnipeg in 2016. At that time Paul joined the Independent Schools as Vice-Principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary and then became Principal at Holy Ghost school in 2018 where he was serving at the time of his passing.

The following is a letter on behalf of Holy Ghost school:

“Mr. Trochanowski was a remarkable educator and beloved principal who dedicated his life to shaping young minds at Holy Ghost School. He was a man who consistently put others before himself. Mr. Trochanowski was not only an exceptional leader but also a beacon of light in the lives of countless students, teachers, and parents. His commitment to excellence went above and beyond the call of duty, as he tirelessly worked to create a nurturing environment where every child felt valued and supported.

He advocated diversity by initiating programs such as heritage classes before school. You could always find him at volleyball and basketball games, cheering our students on with unwavering enthusiasm. Every morning Mr. Trochanowski greeted students in the parking lot with his contagious smile, and he was constantly thinking and planning new programs and activities to enrich our school life.

His passion for education knew no bounds, inspiring those around him with his innovative ideas and timeless dedication. Under his guidance, Holy Ghost flourished into a place where curiosity thrived, creativity blossomed, and dreams took flight. Mr. Trochanowski’s leadership ensured that Holy Ghost School maintained its reputation as one of the best Catholic schools in Manitoba.”

Paul met the love of his life Anna in Winnipeg in 1992, together they worked hand in hand raising 3 beautiful children. Paul’s children were his life, being involved in every aspect of their growth and learning. When summer came along, Paul, Anna and the kids would be on the road either driving somewhere in Canada and the United States or flying to Europe to be with family and friends. Paul’s children were precious to him and he made sure that they went on many adventures, as he wanted to make as many memories as possible. Paul loved them dearly, beyond measure, they were his heart and he took great pride in their accomplishments. Tatko (dad) was deeply loved, admired and cherished by Marko, Julia and Nadia.

Paul was passionate about business, cars, sports, collected stamps, coins, and Ukrainian Literature, and loved listening to music. He was very involved in supporting local communities; he was Parish President of St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox church in Dauphin, he gave his time on weekends as Principal of Ukrainian school Ridna Shkola, Sts. Vladimir & Olga Cathedral in Winnipeg. Furthermore, he participated in countless school boards, committees and Ukrainian organizations.

Paul Trochanowski is resting in peace and will be missed by all family, friends and colleagues.

God saw you were getting tired

And a cure was not to be;

So He put His arms around you

And Whispered,

“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we

watched you suffer and

watched you fade away;

although we loved you dearly,

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating

Hard working hands to rest;

God broke our hearts

To prove to us,

He only takes the best.

Зо Святими упокой,

Христе, душу слуги Твого,

де немає болізні, ні

печалі, ні зітхання, а

життя безконечне. Амінь.

ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ’ЯТЬ!

Wieczny odpoczynek racz jemu dać Panie

a światłość wiekuista niechaj jemu świeci

na wieki wieków.

Amen

Funeral Rite to take place on Friday, August 2, 2024, 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, 1175 Main St, Winnipeg.

Funeral Site will be livestreamed:

Livestream: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HTUOMC/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGv7lDwNkRlt7t7SB4VOlyQ/

Interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main St. West Saint Paul.

Anna, Marko, Julia, and Nadia Trochanowski wish to send a special thank you to Archpriest Gene Maximiuk, their family, and friends, as well as, Holy Ghost Church, Fr. Tomasz Koscinski and Fr. Wojciech Stangel, Holy Ghost school staff, students, parents and school board, that have been praying and supporting the family. Also, thank you to the staff at Health Sciences Center, ICU, and Lauren Dueck at Cropo Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an education fund for Paul’s children, Marko, Julia and Nadia. Your gift will be put into a trust fund for their education – funds can be transferred to trocheducation@gmail.com