Joseph (Joe) Dutchak

JOSEPH (Joe) DUTCHAK 1935-2022.

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of our father/Gedo, on April 27, 2022.

He is survived by his children Sylvia Ptashnik (Dennis) of Winnipeg, Sonia Taylor of Winnipeg, Ron Dutchak (Teresa) of Brandon, Patricia Matz of Brandon, and Linda Busch (Mike) of Brandon and eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his son Rick.

He was born on their family farm in Marco, Manitoba and had two brothers and a sister. 

He dedicated most of his life working on the farm and supplemented the farm income by working as a bulldozer operator on road construction and being a fire watchman at Clear Lake. He enjoyed finding a bargain for farm equipment at auction sales.

He was not one to miss out on any life opportunities which involved relocating the family. He worked in a Nuts & Bolts factory in Toronto, Ontario, he was a certified Gold Miner in Balmertown, Ontario and worked at Canadian Forces Base in Shilo.

He was self sufficient and could fix anything.  He would say, “No such thing as can’t. Figure it out and get it done”.  

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping. The camper on the back of his truck was always ready to go.  

He treasured the visits from his grandchildren, and he was never too busy to have them follow him around or play games with them. He was very proud of each of them as he proudly hung their pictures in his room. His favourite was Ukrainian Christmas as he watched the excitement through the grandchildren.

He was a social man who enjoyed the company of friends, playing cards (Sevens was his favorite), and beating you at checkers gave him great delight. He also had a musical side as he played lively tunes by ear on the guitar from a very young age. He also played the accordion, the Jew’s harp, harmonica and even the spoons. He enjoyed listening to Ukrainian and Country music and sometimes with homemade libations.  

After he retired from farming, he enjoyed reading and spending summers at the cabin in Clear Lake. He did a lot of travelling which included a month in Florida and numerous trips to Red Deer Alberta as well as British Columbia.

Our fond memories of him will be his ability to jerry-rigged absolutely anything, his love for Orange Crush, pinwheel cookies, and his specific need to have his slippers placed a certain way by his bed.

Dad, we love you and miss you and you will always be in our hearts.