Obituary of GORDON WACH

Gordon Charles Wach
August 31, 1941 – August 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Gordon, on August 24, 2025 — one week before his 84th birthday.

Gordon was predeceased by his daughter Sheila; his mother Doris; father Charles; stepfather John; his sister Patsy; brother-in-law Johnny and his beloved dog, Louie.

He is survived by his loving wife Judith, with whom he would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on August 29th. Gord is also lovingly remembered by his children Laurie, Jeff (Shelley), Rod, and Russ (Amanda); his cherished grandchildren Danielle, Tyler, Austin, Haley (Derek), Ryan (Leah) and Danial; his siblings Richard (Sonia), Ron (Rose), and Betty (Louie); and his brother and sister-in-law Larry and Sharon. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends. His loyal four-legged companion, Ezzie, will fondly remember “grandpa” for his generous supply of treats.

Gordon was born in Winnipeg and raised on a farm in Fraserwood, where his passion for hard work and love of animals began.

He met and eventually married his wife Judith in 1964. The two of them settled in Transcona where they raised their five spirited children — Laurie, Sheila, Jeff, Rod and Russ — each as fiercely independent as he was.

Gord was a man of many talents, all rooted in his remarkable skill, creativity, and dedication to hands-on work.  Over the years, he tried his hand at plumbing, carpentry, and installing windows and doors. His ultimate vision led him to start his own business. What began in the basement of their family home in Transcona soon expanded to the garage, and eventually into a shop on Pandora. Gord founded and built Wach Glass and Aluminum, which he proudly operated for over 52 years. He started the business with his uncle and friend Stan “Yogi” Gurniak and always kept it in the family. Although he could have expanded and hired externally, he believed that only the hands of those he loved could offer the same care, precision and professionalism to his customers. He had a true passion for his work and a genuine fondness for those he served — and his customers felt the same way about him.

After raising their family, Gordon and Judith embraced the joy of travel. They visited Venezuela, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and many destinations in the United States— often with kids, grandkids, or friends in tow. Their favorite destination became Texas, and after just one visit, to everyone’s surprise, they purchased a trailer and spent many happy winters there.

In recent years, Gord found joy in simply being at home — in the place he loved most, his home in Harbourview, still in Transcona he claimed.   He was often found outside, puttering in the yard with his two dogs faithfully by his side. He took great pride in watering the grass, tending to his trees, and caring for his prized dinnerplate dahlias — the envy of the neighborhood.  He also had an affinity for the local wildlife, particularly the squirrels.      Canadian Tire likely stayed in business thanks to his constant purchases of peanuts for the squirrels and Miracle-Gro for his grass.  Central Meats was a weekly stop for his favorite “solonyna,” rye bread and snacks — small rituals that brought him comfort and joy

Though he often claimed to dislike company, Gord was the best host — always ready with food and a drink and a warm welcome.  You could be guaranteed to have a beverage in hand within seconds of your arrival.  No one ever left his home hungry or thirsty, and everyone left with a story — whether it was one of his unforgettable antics or a tale shared with his signature wit and charm.

He loved his family deeply, and in this past year, as his health declined, we hope he knew how deeply we all loved him in return.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

"He never looks for praises,

He's never one to boast.

He just goes on quietly working,

For those he loves the most."