Obituary of RYAN ALAN PROKOPOWICH

RYAN ALAN PROKOPOWICH May 24, 1972 – September 14, 2020 It is very unnatural for a parent to out-live their child. That’s not the way life is supposed to go. On September 14, I had to say goodbye to my youngest son, Ryan, and it was the hardest thing for me and my family to do. Ryan was a loving son, a caring brother to Rob and Colleen, a fun-loving cousin, and a loyal friend. Ryan was a listener; easy to talk to and share things with. He was compassionate, a genuine good-hearted soul. He was generous to a fault and always willing to help. If you were in need, he’d be there for you. Ryan was born in Winnipeg and was a life-long resident of Birds Hill. He attended Birds Hill School, Robert Andrews Junior High, and graduated from River East Collegiate. Throughout his life, he held various jobs as a landscaper, carpenter, handyman, delivery driver, warehouse worker, an experienced heavy equipment operator, and for many years he worked at Auto Line Products. But his true passion was rebuilding and restoring high performance and classic cars, especially his beloved Ford Mustangs. For many years he was the pit crew leader – the carburetor whisperer, as he was known – for his dirt-track, stock car racing buddies. His skills were many. As a mechanic and welder, Ryan could fix anything and make almost anything too. Growing up, he spent many hours with his friends, the “Bracken Bunch”, riding on their Big Wheels and BMX bikes. He overcame his early fear of falling through the community club skating rink ice, to fall in love with hockey, playing with the East St. Paul Aces until his teens, even winning the hardest shot award. He was always fixing things around the house. He enjoyed reading and yardwork, was an avid collector. He loved music; heavy metal, electronic dance, alternative rock, Johnny Cash, it didn’t matter the type, music made him smile. Ryan cherished visiting and spending time with our very large extended family; when you have a hundred cousins, it helps to get along with them. Our Tsehany reunions were near and dear to his heart, especially the shaving cream fights. He was a special cousin and life-long friend to the Seniuk family, Karen, Connie, Cathy and James, three doors down from our house. Ryan was a very spiritual man, and in the end, was grateful for the chance to see his Heavenly Father. Special thanks to Rev. Father Alan Wizinsky for guiding Ryan along his spiritual path. Ryan dealt with some serious health issues for the past many years, and it broke my heart to watch him suffer as he persevered through it all. In the end, it became too much for his body to handle. We all thank the doctors and nurses at the St. Boniface Hospital 5th floor Critical Care and Cardiac Units. Your dedication and compassion was so appreciated. Special thanks to cousin Connie Brown for all her help and care, Jessica Brown for all her support, and Ryan’s Aunty Gloria and Uncle Bill Seniuk for everything they’ve done to help all of us. Thanks as well to cousins Larry Kimacovich and Randy Kohuch for all their help and support at this difficult time. Ryan leaves to mourn his mother Stella, brother Rob, sister Colleen, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father Gordon Prokopowich in 2013. In these COVID times, a private ceremony is being planned. However, there will be a public viewing Tuesday, September 22 from 6 – 7:30 PM at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Pallbearers will be: James Seniuk, Larry Kimacovich, Terry Kimacovich, Gerald Kimacovich, Rudy Peters, Brian McCloud, Richard Lambert and Troy Lesiuk. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ryan’s name to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. During the last few hours I spent with Ryan, he said to me, “Mom, are you ready for this? I’m ready to go. No worries, Mom.” Even at the end, Ryan was worried about me and his family, and not about himself. Rest easy my son. We love you and miss you very much. Vichnaya Pamyat May your memory be eternal.