Tony Wowchuk

Anthony (Tony) Wowchuk passed away on May 25th at the Swan Valley Health Centre at the age of 89 years.
Dad was born in Cowan Manitoba Feb 5,1933. He was the middle child of 5 born to Joseph and Tennie and lived on the family farm attending school at Cowan West School. His uncles John and Bill farmed on the adjoining lands and Dad had very fond memories of growing up with his cousins and family times.
In 1955 Dad ventured to Kitimat, BC to join some friends who were working in the mining smelter there. It was a life changing decision as he would meet recently widowed Florence Wupori Spears who had two young children, Roberta- Anne and Robin. After a short courtship they married on August 17,1956. In 1958 they decided to move to Vancouver where Dad had his own cab company - Coral Cabs, and yes the cabs were painted coral!
In 1966 wanting to be closer to family they returned to Cowan where Dad worked for his brother Peter working with crews building many roads in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In 1972 Dad began work with BACM (Genstar). Despite a limited education Dad became a very respected superintendent in the construction field. His favourite projects included the JenPeg Dam, Pickle Lake Dam, and the Dempster highway. Dad enjoyed the remoteness of the job sites and would fish at every spare moment. While working on The Dempster highway project Dad was in a serious accident which would forever affect his mobility and end his career with Genstar. After a long recovery he was able to finish his construction career with Campbell Construction and finally Riverside Paving.
Mom passed away on August 31,1982, Dad continued to live and work in Saskatoon until 1992 when he moved to Barrows’ Manitoba to live with partner Mary Andrychuk on her farmstead. They enjoyed many happy years together gardening, fishing, playing bingo and card games. Dad even purchased a skid steer and proceeded to empty the property of numerous trees which were shipped off twice a year.
With distance from health care becoming an issue for both, they decided to move into an apartment in Swan River. Bingo and Legion events, and visiting friends were a priority. When Mary passed away in 2008 life changed for Dad. He began to spend more time at the Legion and Nelson just so he could socialize. Always a people person there was nothing better than having a beer or two - talking and joking with friends. In younger years his nickname was Gabby and he came by it honestly!
With assistance from family and friends, and special angel Isobel Watts, Dad was able to live in his apartment until 2017 at which time he and his red scooter moved to Swan Valley Lodge. He would take his scooter on road trips to the Legion meat draw, the Nelson slot machines, and the Coop for a treat. Unfortunately, diabetes took over and he had to give up his freedom. It was a major loss to him. He began to rely on the phone more and more-Lord forbid if anyone moved his phone list! He so appreciated visitors and phone calls.
Family meant everything to Dad - he would call his sister Lillian regularly. He loved his nieces and nephews who kept in touch with him - he loved the family pictures and would show them all off. Covid restrictions were especially difficult for Dad he missed visitors. He had a very special place in his heart for Rick and Lorie - they kept his spirits up and provided beverages -especially his beer and pickled bean Caesars, snacks and love and support when I couldn’t there.

Dad is survived by daughter Bobbie Stevenson, grandson Jason (Sarah), great grandsons Shaymus and Brock all of Dryden Ontario. Also, by sister Lillian Heuser, and brother Steve (Stella). sister in law Olga, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by wife Florence, daughter Randene, son Robin, partner Mary, brother Peter, sister Mary (Mike) Perchaluk and brother in law Ray Hueser. Also, his beloved nephew and niece Darrell Hueser and Shirley Owen.
Special thanks to the staff at the Swan Valley Lodge A Wing for the many years of wonderful care and concern. Also my personal thanks to Ruby Patience and Leone Sigurdson for the many acts of kindness shown to Dad.
Memorial service will be held July 8 th @ 11:00 am from the Chapel of  Swan Valley Funeral Services  with a private interment at the Birchwood Cemetery to follow. Refreshments and memories will be shared at Dads favourite spot- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 Lounge immediately following.
If friends so desire, memorial donations would be appreciated by The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39, Box 786 Swan River, MB R0-L 1Z0 or the Canadian Diabetes Manitoba Chapter, 1 Wesley Suite #407 Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6
Sleep tight Dad – we will love and remember you forever.

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