Obituary of REV. DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH

REV. DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH May 30, 1926 - December 17, 2015 Peacefully, on December 17, 2015, Dad left us to be with his wife Mary and son Garry. Dad was born in Mears, Manitoba in 1926. One of 13 children in a large Ukrainian pioneer family, Dad lived through the "dirty thirties" and although life was hard, there was a lot of love and a great deal of faith. The seeds of Dad's lifelong faith were certainly planted in his youth. He was a wise, older brother within his own family and extended family and became a father figure to his younger siblings. Dad started teaching at the tender age of 17 and later went on to get his teacher's certificate and university degrees. It was while teaching in Garland, Manitoba that he met and fell in love with Mary Wasyluk, herself from a family of 13 children. They were married on May 24, 1951 and enjoyed more than 60 wonderful years together before Mom's passing on March 31, 2012. Dad taught for many years before becoming a principal, serving at many schools including Crestview, Bedson, Heritage, and Voyageur in the St. James School Division. He oversaw his schools with a firm but fair hand and his "quickly, quietly, safely" mantra still resonates. During that time, he also became a father to five children, his own large family. We kept him hopping with all of our lessons and activities and he worked very hard to support the family including when he sold World Book Encyclopedia on the side. Dad and Mom were founding members of St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. James, and in June of 1982, Dad answered another call and was ordained as a church deacon. He served his beloved Ukrainian Catholic Church for more than 30 faithful years and loved to preach and minister to those in need. Although he officially retired from teaching in 1986, he never stopped being a teacher - even until his last day. We are very grateful for the many lessons we have learned from him. He taught us that the most important thing in life is faith and living a life of love in action. He taught us that, most eloquently, by loving Mom in sickness and in health until death parted them. By his own example, he demonstrated that we must be generous with our gifts and use them, always, to help others. Over the years, Dad served actively as a deacon at many churches including St. Josaphat's, Holy Eucharist, Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Basil's. He was a good and faithful servant and ministered to many people. Dad delivered countless sermons (and not just to us as teenagers). He gave missions at churches and was an active participant at priest and deacon conferences. He spent many hours counselling individuals and listening to those who needed to be heard. Dad often visited the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, bringing both comfort and Holy Communion. In his day, he was an excellent curler and bowler. A lover of sports, we have many fond memories of watching Bomber and Jets games with him. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member. A renaissance man of sorts, Dad loved politics and instilled in us the importance of voting and the democratic process. At one point, he served as a member of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. In the summer, some people go to "the lake". We had a garden! Dad (and Mom) knew what they were doing on that front and we reaped from what they sowed. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Anastasia and Alec Kohuch, his son Garry, his devoted wife Mary, as well as brothers, sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins. He leaves to mourn: his daughter Lorraine McPhail (John Palffy), son Randy (Carolin Taubensee), daughter Andrea, daughter Darcia Senft (Gary), his grandchildren Larissa McPhail (Adam), Emily Elash, Nikola Elash, and Nick Kohuch, along with his step-grandchildren, Joey Senft and Tyler Senft (Elaine), his sisters Anne, Mary, Stella and Mildred, and his brothers Don, Terry and Walter, their families, as well as a large, extended family. Our family sincerely thanks Jean Piche and his wonderful staff at Holy Family Home, the caregivers on 3A and all those who spent time with Dad. Special thanks to Doctors Terry and Andrea Babick for their compassionate and gentle care. As well, a heartfelt thanks to the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, especially Sisters Darleane, Charlene, Ruth and Hillary and to Maria Kowch. To the ICU staff at Grace General Hospital, thanks for all you did to make Dad and the rest of us comfortable. Dad was a gentle strength with a robust sense of humour. He was a man of deep faith and loving compassion. He will be sorely missed by so many. Life will never be the same but we know how very blessed we were to have him as our Dad and Dzidzi. One of the last things he said before he died was "I will always be with you." May his memory be eternal. Vichnaya Pamyat! Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23 at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt St. in Winnipeg. Interment at Holy Family Cemetery. Floral arrangements are graciously declined, but donations in Nick's memory may be made to the Holy Family Home Expansion Project, to St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church or to a charity of one's choice.