Obituary for Randolph "Randy" Joseph Tomchak
It is with profound sadness that we announce Randy’s passing. He will be forever remembered and loved by wife Michelle; his three daughters Rebecca, Sarah, Alyssa; parents Ralph and Gladys Tomchak of Fraserwood; brother Don; sister Yvonne (Terry Belton); niece Jenna (Joel Malmo) and great niece Ulyana; brothers-in-law Brian, Nick (Stephanie) Deagle of Nova Scotia and nieces Emma, Jessica; nephew Matthew; aunts and uncles, the American cousins and many friends.
Randy grew up on the family farm in Fraserwood, which instilled in him an amazing work ethic that lasted throughout his life. He attended Gimli High School and was known to drive the tractor into town, until he became the proud owner of a motorbike and, later, his beloved Chevy Monza. After high school, Randy backpacked with friends through Iceland and Europe.
As a young boy, he always had a book in his hand and this love of learning would extend throughout his life as he earned various degrees. Randy earned a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters in Education degree from the University of Manitoba, along with diplomas in Business Administration and Business Teacher Education (Honours) from Red River Community College and a Diploma with Distinction as Microcomputer Specialist from Grant McEwan Community College.
Randy taught at R.D. Parker in Thompson, and was an active member of the Thompson Teacher’s Association. He met his wife, Michelle, there, as well as an amazing group of life-long friends. He volunteered with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association for the North.
Randy worked at Tec Voc High School as an IT Teacher for 18 years and was also involved with the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association. He was committed to his profession and was innovative in running Moodle server content management software for fellow staff. He volunteered for local and national organizations that enriched students’ learning experiences, like Skills Manitoba/Canada, Red Cross, and Canadian Cyber Defense. Every lunch hour, you could find Randy with students; he always had time to help them. His famous potluck lunches were a big hit. The Tec Voc staff and students were his treasured extended family.
Randy was a great friend to others. He always made you feel welcome and conversations with Randy were witty, fast-paced and thought-provoking. He enjoyed cooking and he shared his culinary skills with many guests.
Randy’s most important role was being a dad to his 3 princesses. His life was filled by supporting their interests. He was their biggest fan and supporter, whether as soccer coach, chauffeur to music lessons, chef and volunteer at Girl Guide events, cheerleader at Ukrainian dancing and curling, and geocaching captain of the 5 Goofy Goobers. Randy was very proud of his daughters, their achievements, and the adults they became.
Randy enjoyed one year of retirement – travelling, volunteering with the Red Cross, working for elections, teaching two terms at Tec Voc - until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His family would be thrilled that donations be made in his memory to pancreatic research at cancercare.mb so, in the future, individuals could have an opportunity to hope for a cure. The family would like to thank the team involved in his medical care, and friends and family for the outpouring of support on this heartbreaking journey.
Condolences can be left online at Neil Bardal Funeral Home @ www.neilbardalfuneralhome.com
A celebration of life will occur at a later date.
Randy grew up on the family farm in Fraserwood, which instilled in him an amazing work ethic that lasted throughout his life. He attended Gimli High School and was known to drive the tractor into town, until he became the proud owner of a motorbike and, later, his beloved Chevy Monza. After high school, Randy backpacked with friends through Iceland and Europe.
As a young boy, he always had a book in his hand and this love of learning would extend throughout his life as he earned various degrees. Randy earned a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters in Education degree from the University of Manitoba, along with diplomas in Business Administration and Business Teacher Education (Honours) from Red River Community College and a Diploma with Distinction as Microcomputer Specialist from Grant McEwan Community College.
Randy taught at R.D. Parker in Thompson, and was an active member of the Thompson Teacher’s Association. He met his wife, Michelle, there, as well as an amazing group of life-long friends. He volunteered with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association for the North.
Randy worked at Tec Voc High School as an IT Teacher for 18 years and was also involved with the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association. He was committed to his profession and was innovative in running Moodle server content management software for fellow staff. He volunteered for local and national organizations that enriched students’ learning experiences, like Skills Manitoba/Canada, Red Cross, and Canadian Cyber Defense. Every lunch hour, you could find Randy with students; he always had time to help them. His famous potluck lunches were a big hit. The Tec Voc staff and students were his treasured extended family.
Randy was a great friend to others. He always made you feel welcome and conversations with Randy were witty, fast-paced and thought-provoking. He enjoyed cooking and he shared his culinary skills with many guests.
Randy’s most important role was being a dad to his 3 princesses. His life was filled by supporting their interests. He was their biggest fan and supporter, whether as soccer coach, chauffeur to music lessons, chef and volunteer at Girl Guide events, cheerleader at Ukrainian dancing and curling, and geocaching captain of the 5 Goofy Goobers. Randy was very proud of his daughters, their achievements, and the adults they became.
Randy enjoyed one year of retirement – travelling, volunteering with the Red Cross, working for elections, teaching two terms at Tec Voc - until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His family would be thrilled that donations be made in his memory to pancreatic research at cancercare.mb so, in the future, individuals could have an opportunity to hope for a cure. The family would like to thank the team involved in his medical care, and friends and family for the outpouring of support on this heartbreaking journey.
Condolences can be left online at Neil Bardal Funeral Home @ www.neilbardalfuneralhome.com
A celebration of life will occur at a later date.