BEN HANUSCHAK

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BEN HANUSCHAK

April 29, 1930 - July 31, 2026

My heart is heavy to announce the passing of my Dad on July 31, 2026. In the last four months he was predeceased by my mom, Nadia and her sister, Vicky Johnston. My life has changed dramatically without these people in my daily life. Dad is survived by me, Nadine Scholl (Charlie); his granddaughter Allison Boettcher (Jamie); his grandson Carl Scholl (Andrea); and his great-grandchildren, Jack, Ella and Charlotte Boettcher; Ben and Audrey Scholl. Dad is survived by his siblings, Bill Hanuschak, Mary Shurraw, Olga Kotylak and their families. He is mourned by the families of his brothers, Walter and Nick who predeceased him and Vicky’s son Jeff and his family.

Dad was the eldest of his siblings. He was born in Saskatchewan. At an early age, his family moved to Hodgson, MB where he attended school until Grade 11. At age 15 he was sent to complete high school at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic College in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He never returned home after high school but continued to further his education. He became a permit teacher, completed two years of Arts at U of M before graduating as a teacher from Normal School. Dad and Mom met while they were teaching in Erickson, MB and married in 1953. With mom’s support he was able to obtain his Bachelor of Law (1956) and Bachelor of Education (1961) degrees. In 1966 he was elected the NDP MLA for Burrows constituency and took leave from teaching to fulfill his responsibilities as Provincial Secretary of the NDP and President of both the Winnipeg Teacher’s Society and Red River Cooperative. In 1969 he became a part of the first NDP government under the leadership of Ed Schreyer. Initially Dad served as Speaker of the House followed by various cabinet posts; Minister of Education is the one he is most known for. Needless to say, he resigned from teaching during this time. Provincial politics ended for him in 1981, but he continued public service as a Seven Oaks School Division trustee from 1986 to 2006 when he officially retired. Public service was his passion and his efforts were rewarded by receiving the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal.

You have to be a people person to be in politics. Dad thrived when he was amongst people. Outside of politics, mom and dad’s home was open. They hosted all sorts of get togethers, large and small. He had a heavy interest in the arts and was an artist himself, singer and skilled on the harmonica. He loved preparing gourmet meals that were paired with appropriate beverages. He along with mom were long time supporters of MTC, PTE, Manitoba Opera and the Winnipeg Symphony and Rainbow stage as well as any other arts events of interest. He read books of all genres. He took pride in his Ukrainian heritage and was fluent in reading, writing and speaking the language. His heart was in Canada and especially the prairies. Above all, he was a dad, a father-in-law, a Gigi and a greatGigi and he loved us all fiercely.

Dad had many medical ups and downs since the early 80s. Miraculously it took until age 88 for it all to catch up with him. He entered health care on August 1, 2018, and his physical and mental decline continued for one day short of eight years. Our family thanks ALL the staff from ALL departments at Fred Douglas Lodge for the care you gave Dad. I was not with Dad when he died but I was with him when Ethical Death Care transported his remains. Thank you Ethical for the dignity you showed my dad and a huge thank you to FDL for the Code Cherry Lane that is given to all deceased residents as they exit the building for the last time. It was a moment I will hold in my heart forever.

Dad, your work is done. You can be proud of your family and your public service. You tried your best to make the world a better place. I am thankful, you were unaware of the crazy place this world has become over the last several years. I can only hope your work as a social democrat will prevail. Thank you. We love you. We will carry you in our hearts forever.

Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to Seven Oaks Education Foundation, Fred Douglas Society or CJNU radio station.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent. Ethical Death Care in charge of arrangements.

A photo biography honouring Ben's life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.

He lived. He worked hard. He died.

Vichnaya Pam’yat

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations

204-421-5501

Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2026