Obituary of Kenneth Eugene WAWRUCH

September 19, 1933 – Brandon, Manitoba

July 26, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Kenneth Wawruch of Calgary, AB, passed away with family by his side on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the age of 86 years.

He had his first job when he was 15 at Brandon’s Strand/Capital theatres after school and weekends. He completed a year at Brandon University and then worked for California Seismograph Exploration. He also worked as a manager of several movie theatres in Winnipeg and Virden, MB. He worked as a desk clerk at a Brandon Hotel, a draftsman for the Federal Government at the Gimli Airport and then in 1957, Ken left Brandon for a position in Ottawa with National Defense Navy Post Office (Canada Post). He held many positions while he progressed through the company until he retired in 1990 as Senior Maintenance Technologist; responsible for audits and maintenance programs at many major postal facilities across Canada including Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa. It was in Ottawa that he met and married his wife Paulette. They bought a home in Gatineau, QC and lived there until Ken moved to Calgary in 2015.

Ken was a man of many interests and talents including curling, fishing, skiing, gardening (especially his “Championship” tomatoes and tulips for Paulette), walking, camping at one of his two cabins or in a camper and travel. Ken enjoyed fine carpentry and was happy to lend a hand whenever needed. He was known as the neighbourhood handyman. 

He loved to travel, especially if skiing was part of the itinerary. He and Paulette explored Italy; Rome, Venice, France, Morocco, Milan, Austria, Australia, Eagle River and Amesdale, ON, Nakiska, Sunshine, Banff, Jasper,  Fairmont, Whistler, Lake Louise, and into Colorado. His favourite ski hill was in Aspen; Snowmass Mountain in Colorado.

He and Paulette adopted many rescue dogs over the years.

Ken was very much a people person and loved by all who met him. He loved people of all ages and had a soft spot for animals.

Sadly after about five years of major illnesses, he lost Paulette in 2012, during which time he was her primary caregiver.

Kenneth is survived by his brother Arnold (Marjorie) Wawruch, his sister Karen “Lynn” (Stan) McMillan, niece Caryn (Mark) Northcott, nephew Michael (Jennifer) McMillan, great-nieces and nephews,  Daniel Northcott (Josette), Michael Northcott, Lauren McMillan, Rachel McMillan, Aaron McMillan, Wade McMillan; and great-great-nephew Martin Northcott.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie Wawruch; and beloved wife of forty-nine years, Paulette.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903 – 45th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Kenneth’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.  If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, http://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/ or Rosedale Hospice, https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/rosedale.

In living memory of Kenneth Wawruch, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.