Obituary of ANTON (TONY) CHERNIAK

ANTON (TONY) CHERNIAK
Winnipeg Police Superintendent (Retired)

With profound sorrow our family announces the passing of our dear Father and Grandfather Anton (Tony) Cherniak on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the Victoria General Hospital.

Left to mourn are daughters Barb Olivier (David), Donna Sutherland (Mike) and Judi Cherniak. Grandpa loved his precious grandchildren: Joel and Wade Davison; Alison, Melanie (Mike Urichuk), Mark and Nicola Sutherland; Braden and Tanner Ewchuk. Tony was predeceased by the love of his life Pearl (2010) and his grandson Todd Davison (2006).

Tony was born in Ledwyn, Manitoba on March 6th, 1932 to Pearl (Mospanchuk) and John Cherniak.  When he was young his family moved to farm in Komarno where he lived with his siblings Rose, Diane and Ernie. After attending high school in Gimli and graduating from Teulon Collegiate, Tony taught school for two years at Foley, Manitoba. Not satisfied with being a school teacher, he applied to the Winnipeg Police Department and enlisted on September 8th, 1953. Throughout the years he received many commendations and promotions, retiring in June, 1989 after 37 years of service - holding the rank of Superintendent. His second love was when he was assigned to the Morality (Vice) Division as a Detective. His outstanding work within this division allowed him to be promoted to the rank of Staff Inspector, and he was in charge of this Division for 22 years. He thrived on this type of work. His daughters can attest to the fact that there wasn’t much that they could slip by dad. The standards he set for himself were always very high and he expected no less from those around him. He was completely dedicated to his family and his career. Tony was very blessed to have Pearl as a partner for over 55 years.

Tony and Pearl loved spending their summers at their cottage at Winnipeg Beach, where he also served as president of the Ukrainian Museum for six years.  Tony was a long time member of Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Parish as well as the Brotherhood and the Knights of Columbus. Tony was a very private person but he was always there if anyone needed his help. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. When two of his grandsons played hockey in the WHL, he travelled many times to see them play. When the grandchildren played sports he did not miss many games. He also encouraged his grandchildren to get a higher education and he let them know that he was very proud of them for doing so.

Family and friends are invited to join us for Divine Liturgy  on Thursday, July 13th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church (Watt St. and Munroe Ave).  Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens.  Rev. Dr. Michael Kwiatkowski will preside. 

Rest in Peace - Vichnaya Pamyat!