LOUIS DUTCHAK

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LOUIS DUTCHAK September 20, 1929 - June 25, 2014 Louis is survived by daughter Dawn (Mark) and their children, Jonathon and Jeremy Zaczek; Irene, Christopher, Heather, Katherine and Ryan Dutchak; stepchildren, Cathy (Claude) Leanne and Tyler Menard; Keith (Jackie) Ireland Larter; and other family as follows, Ray and Karen Bodnar, Jean Zarazun and family, Bob and Emily and family, Ed and Mary and family; and numerous nieces and nephews. Louis is predeceased by his first wife Olga and son Ken; his second wife Laura; and numerous brothers and sisters. Louis grew up on a farm in Amsterdam, SK with father Steve and mother Tekla and 10 siblings in a little farm house which still exists today on Bob and Emily's farm in Amsterdam, SK. Grandpa told many tales of his childhood which he would tell whenever the occasion came up. We would laugh at many of his stories growing up on the farm with his brothers and sisters. Times were more difficult then. Grandpa was the only child to leave the farm and go to college. He went to St. Joseph's College in Yorkton. After finishing college, he came to Winnipeg and worked at MacLeods Store. After that, he worked for 37 continuous years for the Winnipeg Transit. He retired in 1990 with the last Badge #1. We all boarded a special bus on this day so that all the passengers throughout his career could come and have the final ride and say their good-byes to a great driver and friend to many. The route awaited him with many people at each bus stop. This made grandpa really happy. The bus was packed. His final stop was at the Legislative Building, where his picture was taken and a special plaque was given to him by the city for 37 years of service. He also attained 27 years of safe driving. We are very proud of his accomplishments. Upon retirement in St. Andrews, gardening, bowling, golf and curling with Laura occupied most of their time. Dad made many friends out in St. Andrews and was ready to help out anyone in need. But throughout his lifetime, hunting was his passion. Many trips were made to Saskatchewan with friend Bill along with his brothers to get the big one. Whether it was a deer, moose or elk he wanted it. He also hunted with friend Terry to Saskatchewan, Riding Mountain or wherever there was game. These guys were there. Growing up on Polson in the north end, I was the only daughter who had all her father's antlers adorning her bedroom walls. This was the only place he could hang his trophies. Much to his dismay, I hung everything I could on those antlers to hide them. With all the ducks and geese he got, many hours of plucking consumed our time in the fall. But many pillows and perenas were made from his bounty. Many times before hunting season started, you would find Dad in the downstairs bathroom with his record player, practicing his moose and elk calls. He would stay in there for hours until he mastered the calls. Dad travelled extensively with Olga throughout Canada and the United States. Their favourite was Nashville where they met and chatted with Ray Acuff. That made their day. Later on cruises were the thing. Louis got to spend one vacation with his son on a cruise. It would be the last vacation with Ken. He will remember it forever. But one of the most special trips was to the Ukraine. Travelling with Jonathon from Poland to Ukraine, Dad got to see where his family came from. They went to Muchauka where the family's land and new house still exists today. He was the only son in the family to make this journey. There are numerous stories to tell about Louis's Journey in life but Dad's life was a full one and the memories will carry on with us forever. He leaves behind many friends and family with aching hearts. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 11, 2014 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at 7:00 p.m. Interment to follow at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Prostate Cancer Ride for Dad Society, Mood Disorders Depression and Alzheimers Society. Love and miss you much Dawn, Mark, Jonathan and Jeremy. 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2014