Obituary of GEORGE PETER DERENCHUK

GEORGE PETER DERENCHUK It is with great sadness and cherished memories that the family announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. George passed away peacefully on January 18, 2020, at the age of 89. George will be deeply missed by Sylvia, his wife of 64 years, his son Craig (Ana Maria Hiebert), daughter Carlyne (Alain Drouin) grandsons, Yanic, Sacha and Jeremy, nephew Laddie, niece Lisa and cousin Stephen Derenchuk. He was predeceased by his youngest son Grant in 2016, parents Piotr and Pelagia, brother Peter, sister-in-law Vera and in-laws John and Mary Bohonos. George was born and raised in Winnipeg by parents who immigrated from Belarus. A graduate and track and field champion at Daniel McIntyre High, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg and Bachelor and Master of Education Degrees from the University of Manitoba. George began a successful career in the education field as a physical education teacher. He also served as High School Principal at both Murdoch Mackay and Pierre Radisson Collegiates and went on to become Superintendent of Schools in the St. Boniface School Division. Early in his career, George earned the status of Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, a title of which he was very proud. In latter years, he served as Chairperson of the Social Services Advisory Committee for the Province of Manitoba as well as Planning and Research Officer with Manitoba Emergency Measures. A man of many interests and talents, George provided income tax accounting services to hundreds of clients over the years. He was an avid accordion player who performed at numerous charitable venues both in the city and at the Matlock cottage. George was active in many political and social causes. Social justice was important to him. Above all, George was a devoted family man who served as a role model, demonstrating the values of kindness, generosity and fair play. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers and staff at Parkview Place Personal Care Home, where George spent the last 3 months of his life. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, on Saturday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in George’s name to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation; 107-62 Hargrave St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1N1; lakewinnipegfoundation.org; 204-956-0436.