With deep sadness, the family announces the passing of our much-loved father and gido,  William Drewniak.  William passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Seven Oaks Hospital, at the age of 90. Dad was so strong and brave during his battle with kidney disease.  

William was predeceased by his wife Luba, parents John and Mary Drewniak and his brothers Joe, Matt and Peter.

William will be sorrowfully missed by his daughters Cynthia and Kathleen (James); grandchildren Darian and Emma; step-grandchildren Aleka and Haley.  William will also be missed by his brother Maurice(Josie), nephew Elliott(Beccy) and various other in-laws, nephews/nieces and friends. Thank you to all of you, who came to the hospital to spend time with dad in his final days.  Your visits meant the world to him. 

Dad was born April 14, 1935 in Caliento, MB.  Dad worked hard on his family farm to help support his parents and brothers.  As a teenager he was sent to Winnipeg to live with his aunt and uncle.  He worked at Trident Press Print Shop on Main Street.  Dad recently told me how much he hated that job and wanted to return to the farm.  After a few years dad and uncle Pete left together to work on the CN Railway. Dad worked a few positions for CN.  He eventually became tired of the traveling and being away from mom so he left that job.

Dad’s next career was as a Mechanic.  He worked at Grand Motors and later moved to Eastern Sales.  He loved his boss and friends at Eastern Sales. He had to end his career as a mechanic due back injuries and loss of hearing.  He left the shop but didn’t fully leave his desire for fixing cars.  I remember most Saturdays when we were young, there was a car on our driveway and dad spent the day helping someone repair their vehicle. 

One day on his break, dad went to pay his water bill. He asked if there were any job openings for the City of Winnipeg.  The clerk gave him forms to fill out.  By the time dad had arrived home, someone was already calling and speaking to mom regarding an interview for dad.  That’s how he began his career at the City of Winnipeg, in the Water and Waste Department.  He was not always a fan favourite when he was sent to turn off the occupant’s water.  He hated doing this part of his job, but he needed to do it to provide for his own family.  Dad worked for the City for over 30 years, until his retirement. 

Dad had a huge passion for music.  He loved spending time playing his violin and saxophone.  He and mom also loved going dancing in their younger days. Dad tried so hard to teach my sister and I and his grandchildren how to play the violin.  I think we all learned Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and that’s about it. Dad played in many bands when he was younger.  I also remember him playing at the door of several family weddings.  He was so honoured every time he was asked and had the time of his life doing it.  

After retirement dad found great pleasure as a Cantor at the Holy Trinty Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral.  He especially enjoyed the time he spent with Rev. Henry Lakusta and Rev. Fr. Gene Maximiuk.  He would travel with them to funerals, special services and weddings around Manitoba.  On Sunday’s dad always enjoyed signing in the church choir.  He spent many hours at home practising his readings and singing.  Dad did this for over 20 years.

During retirement dad took up another hobby.  He enjoyed perogy making days at the church and attended every month.  Of course, it was another outlet for him to be out and socializing. 

One of dad’s favourite times of year was deer hunting season.  I’m not sure if it was actually for the deer hunting or for all the good food mom would cook for them, especially the mashed beans.  He also just loved spending those 2 weeks with Uncle Steve and the group of guys. He would come home with all sorts of stories.  You can only imagine how some of those stories went.    

Dad loved his fishing.  He would be so excited when Uncle Wally would call him to come out to his lake for the weekend.  The two of them would spend more time in Uncle Wally’s boat then on land.  I have very fond memories as a child going with them. As soon as we would arrive back at Uncle Wally’s site they would be filleting the fish and getting it ready for mom and aunty Gloria to cook.  On the water with Uncle Wally was one of dad’s happiest places. 

Mushroom picking was another one of dad’s favorites.  Any time someone would call him to go pick mushrooms, he would be out the door in record time.  He really enjoyed the times he spent with his friends and Uncle Paul mushroom picking.  I don’t think mom was as thrilled when he would bring the pails home, because that meant mom had to help clean and start cooking.  Cooking was one thing dad was not good at. 

Socializing had always been important to mom and dad.  They loved their coffee dates with George and Helen and Uncle Danny and Aunty Mary. It became a weekly event with George and Helen.  Heaven forbid if we tried to schedule something on a Friday night.  Dad would say “noooo it’s our coffee night”.  

As things became harder for dad and his mobility was more of an issue.  He found joy in playing crib with his friends. He cherished those visits with Uncle Wally and Mr. Monastyrski.  As soon as they would leave, we were sure to receive a phone call telling us what a great day he had.

I could keep going on with all sorts of stories about dad.  He was an outgoing person, who loved to visit with people but also had a great sense of humour and a calmness to him.  Even in the last 2 years as he struggled, he kept that sense of humour.  It’s something we all loved about him. He was so happy to see people and spend time with them.  He always made everyone feel welcome and a part of our family.   Dad was the best Gido ever.  I thought my sister and I were important until my children came along.  Cyn and I quickly became second to them. He cherished my children with all his heart.  They were the most important in his life and the reason he fought hard to live for so long.  He and Darian were best friends, and Emma was his little sweetheart.  He made sure to attend every sporting event my children had, hockey practices every Saturday for Darian in Balmoral MB, every school event, birthday parties etc.  He was over at my house every time they were sick. They had dad wrapped around their finger; the minute they phoned requesting something dad ran over to my house. He worried so much about them all the time. Dad gave them anything they wanted.  I would tell him he couldn’t do that and he would reply “why not, I don’t want them to get mad at me”.  There wasn’t anything in this world he wouldn’t do for them. Dad was so proud of both my children and what they have accomplished in life so far.  He and Darian would speak everyday about Darian’s workday.  That was the highlight of dad’s day.  He made sure everyone knew, he was only taking Darian’s call at 5:30 pm.  The bond between dad and my children was very special. That was evident until his last day. They sat beside his bed for hours holding his hand and taking care of him. He would sense when they weren’t there and ask for them. I’m so proud that he lives on in my children. 

I have also lost one of my best friends.  I know he felt like he was a burden to me this past year, but I would do it 100 times over if it meant I got to spend one more day with him. On Monday when I went to Maples Personal Care home it was evident how special dad truly was.  The staff instantly came running to us but one of the workers wouldn’t stop crying.  She told me, she had only known dad for a short time, but she loved him so much.   She had only known dad for 2 months but the bond they formed so quickly was amazing.  I only hope in this lifetime; I can be as amazing and strong as my father.  I hope my family, friends and strangers will cherish me and respect me as much as they have with dad. 

The family would like to thank everyone for visiting dad while he’s been in and out of the hospital, especially this last time. Thank you to Darryl and Elliott for all the hours you spent with dad. It helped him get through the tough times.  We also would like to thank all of our family and friends who have helped us throughout this difficult time.  Thank you, Fr. Gene for the visits, prayers and being a great friend to dad.  Thank you to all the pallbearers and to Patrick for carrying the cross for dad. Dad would have been honoured to have you guys here for him today.  Thank you to Don at Cropo for the help and guidance.  Thank you to Cheryl Bochen and the other servers today.  Also, a special thank you to Dr Armstrong, the other kidney doctors and staff at Seven Oaks Hospital for taking care of dad on his journey during the last 2 years.

Funeral Rite will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main Street.  Rev. Fr. Gene Maximiuk will be officiating.  Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St.

Anyone wishing to attend the service, who can not climb stairs, there is an elevator located on the North Side of the church.

May dad rest in peace and find comfort back in mom’s arms.

Dad we will love your forever!

Donations in honour of dad may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 209-2211 McPhillips Street.

Vichnaya Pam’yat / Memory Eternal