Obituary of VICTOR POLESCHUK SR.

VICTOR POLESCHUK SR. With great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of our Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, Victor Poleschuk Sr. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at the age of 88 years. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Doris (Prokopchuk); his infant son; his parents, Paul and Lena; sisters, Olga Elchuk, Margie Pawlowski, Nancy Novak and brother Harry Poleschuk. Victor leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved six children; Judy Vanderhorst (Jo), Karen Mann (George), Victor Poleschuk Jr. (Beverly), Matthew Poleschuk (Janice), Lori Fasano (Dave) and Lisa Trakalo (Keith Anderson). He will be dearly missed by his 15 adoring grandchildren; Jamie Vanderhorst (Karissa), Laura Loeppky (Garth), Kim Lesuk (Jeff), Kristin Mann-Simpson (Derek), David Mann (Kari), Lisa Young (Scott), Tracy Brown (Jon), Ryan Fink (Nicole), Carlee Poleschuk, Danielle Sundquist (Chance), Nicole Poleschuk, Alison Fasano, Scott Fasano, Andra Trakalo, and Alexa Trakalo, as well as his 16 great grandchildren; Carter, Jonah and Grayson; Rylyn and Jackson; Tyler, Kylie, Mason and Kera; Lily and Drew; Leiva and Izabella; Drake; Benjamin and Madison. Also left to cherish Vic’s memory are his sisters, Anna Beliga, and Mary Prokopchuk (Andy), and his brother-in-law, Bill Novak; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances. Victor was born on November 18, 1925 of Russian/Ukrainian descent in Majkow, Poland to Paul and Lena Poleschuk. When he was 4 years old he came to Canada with his parents and 4 siblings aboard the ship, “SS Lituania, Baltic American”, first settling in Glenella, Manitoba, then Middlechurch, Manitoba and lastly Winnipeg, Manitoba. Dad started school at the age of 7 and graduated years later from St. John’s Technical High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Navy (albeit underage) and was stationed both in Shelburne, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec. After the war, he attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Agriculture degree (1950). While in high school, Dad met the love of his life, our Mom, Doris, at the Ukrainian Labor Temple where they both played in the orchestra, Dad, the drums, Mom, the mandolin and then again in the North Star Band, Dad, a drummer, Mom, a majorette. WWII separated them briefly, but their love never wavered. They were married on August 7, 1948 and started our family legacy-becoming parents to 6 wonderful children. Dad worked as a Food Chemist at Maple Leaf Mills and after retirement enjoyed his passion for golf, band and spending time with family. After Mom’s passing in 1981, Dad demonstrated an inner strength and resiliency which enabled him to overcome his loss and continue to appreciate and make the most of life. Victor was active and independent from the time he was young till his final days. While in the Navy, as with high school, he competed in basketball and track and field. In University, Dad continued his athletic competition by continuing to compete in track and field. In 1944, at a competition at Acadia University, he broke the Maritime record in triple jump. Golf has always been a part of his life. You could often find him walking the course, sometimes with friends or family-other times wandering in the bush searching for golf balls or scooping golf balls out of the water hazards. An accomplished and self-taught percussionist, Victor played the lead drums in the Shelburne Band while in the Navy. He continued his drum playing well into his 80’s. He was involved with many bands over the years; playing at weddings, playing concerts for Mother’s Day, Remembrance Day and Christmas. He is an Honorary Member of the NorthWinds Concert Band. Along with playing the drums, being an accomplished percussionist and golfer, Victor also enjoyed spending time with and traveling to visit family, sharing a story or two, and watching sporting events. Dad’s genuineness, his outgoing personality and his love and ability to strike up a conversation will truly be missed. He had many friends and acquaintances that he met through his activities, through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as through his travels across Canada and the USA. His friendly smile, laughter, stories and, most of all, the big handshake or hug will never be forgotten. Whether it was a hockey rink, ski hill, soccer field, music/dance recital, swimming pool, golf game or horse barn, (Great) Grandpa was there. Anyone watching could see how much he loved his family and how proud he was of each and every one of them. He taught us, through his actions, that participating in these various activities was important to all. With the loss of our beloved Dad, we now find ourselves looking for that same guidance that he was there to provide us. We know he would tell us not to be sad, and even though our hearts are heavy, to look ahead and live each day to its fullest. What a wonderful legacy Victor (and Doris) left. This legacy will live on in all the lives he has been a part of. A Celebration of Victor’s life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Lori Fasano Trust (www.lorifasanotrust.com) or a charity of your choice in Victor’s honour.