We Remember

KUCHMA, Robert & Tonya
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It is with great sorrow that the family announce the passing of Robert, 57, and Tonya, 47, Kuchma. They both died suddenly and painlessly on February 15, 2021, in a wintry automobile accident. They leave behind a broken-hearted family: daughters Brielle (Joey) Bugyinka and Leah (Stephen) Knapp, sons Jamie (Allison) Fielder and Jared Kuchma, and grandchild Ko Knapp. They also leave behind Robert’s parents, Morris and Anne Kuchma, sister Shari (Mike) Matvieshen, and brothers Sheldon (Shannon), Darwin (Joanne), and Travis (Karla) Kuchma.
Robert was born in Thompson, MB, the eldest of five children. On the family farm he was raised to work hard and play harder. He always had a great interest in cars (and trucks, and motorcycles), and loved to tell stories of how his Camaro was the fastest car in high school and how he never lost a race. His interest in cars naturally led him to his first career: autobody. His work ethic and precision were unrivaled and his friends from Mackenzie, BC say he was the best in the business. His next and final career was as a carpenter, although “jack of all trades” is far more accurate. We doubt there was a single family member or friend that he did not help with his masterful skills and limited time.
Although he never learned to stop, this last year he did become better at taking breaks, evidenced by (literally) hundreds of coffee times with his family, weeks spent camping, hours in his hot tub, and who knows how long in his massage chair. Robert loved people more than anyone we know, but most importantly he loved his Lord and Saviour.
Tonya was born in Toronto, ON, and was raised by her adoptive family. She loved fun in the sun and the beach was her happy place. When she moved to BC she lived with another family, the Blondins, who treated her like family as well. She made genuine connections everywhere she went, resulting in many that she would call her sisters, brothers, and mothers.
She worked tirelessly as a single mom to go back and finish high school, give her children a Christian education, and to put herself through school to become an Early Childhood Educator. She worked at Heritage Christian Early Learning Center for 21 years, ending June 2020. Since then she was enjoying, for the first time in her entire life, time off, and she didn’t waste a moment of it. She found her new calling as a grandma (Babi), and she deepened her relationships with her family and friends and with her Lord.
Robert and Tonya met in 2003 and although it wasn’t love at first sight, everyone around them knew that they were meant to be together. They got married July 11, 2006, in Kelowna, BC. It took an extraordinary amount of love, work, and prayer to bring together two families, but through their efforts the family stayed together, and that is perhaps their greatest legacy.
Robert and Tonya’s home was always full of laughter and love. They truly had an open-door policy (the door was never locked and no one ever knocked). They didn’t just make you feel loved, you truly were loved. Christ was the center of their lives, and amidst our great sadness we are so happy that He has taken them to their true Home.
“I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 146:2
Till we see each other again.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
They truly did have an open door policy. They loved unconditionally and they were the best friends/ brother and sister I could have ever asked for. I miss them terribly, my BabI/Kole pocket dial calls, the selfies of her and Jackie. I am going to miss Robert’s BIG hugs with my slap on the back and his “hey Nick, can you help me move this “ questions. Saturday mornings will look a lot different now but I will cherish the many memories,the unconditional love ❤️ They gave and they will always be in my heart. They raised 4 beautiful children and loved you all deeply. Ko was the apple of their eye and they loved each second they had with him. I had a chance to look back at our texts and my phone is filled with Ko and Jackie texts ♥️♥️. I love you guys , you’re in my prayers and my heart ♥️. Much love Niki xoxo
My heart is broken this terrible accident has taken you both from us.
Love Auny Ellen
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
A piece of my broken shattered heart is with each and everyone one of you ….
My deepest condolences 💐 to the Kuchma family in this time of sorrow. May the Lord’s comfort and grace be upon your family. 🙏❤️❤️❤️
We are so very sorry for the tragic loss of Robert and Tonya. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you all as we share in the loss of this couple. We wish the entire family healing and peace during these difficult times. God bless you all. All our love, the Armenti Family ❤️🙏
Dear Ann, Morris and family, I am so sorry to hear about the tragedy in the loss of your son Robert and his wife Tonya. You all are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Sending my love, hugs and prayers!😢🙏🏻
To the Whole Kutchma Family, Please accept our sincere condolences. It was startling to us to hear of this tragis loss. I remember in my younger years having so many laughs with Robert, and experiencing his infectious smile……To Morris, Anne and family, may your faith bring you to a place in life to know………..your son made a loving difference. to this world. With Prayers and Love…. John, Bernice Lesiuk and Family.. ( loving hugs with arms stretching from Alberta and Spain. )
I’m so deeply saddened to hear of their passing .My heart hurts for their families. I pray you can all find so peace and comfort very soon . Rest peacefully Robert and Tonya.
I knew Tonya in high school. If there was one person that was open and caring it would be Tonya. She had a heart of gold. We took a 3 hour walk one day to go and visit a friend, the whole time we talked about God. Neither of us was religious but it was a conversation that stuck with me all these years. It is comforting to know that she is in the arms of her God and with the love of her life. To her family, I can only wish the most heartfelt condolences on losing such a precious and beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our condolences and prayers go out to both families in this time of sorrow. This is such a tragedy and we hope all families will remain strong and loving.
To Morris Anne and the Kuchma Families
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Heartfelt Condolences. Hold your memories close. The strength you give to support each other will keep you close. Thinking of you. Hugs ❤️
I was so moved by this family’s love of the Lord. Inspite of this couple, passing away in a motor vehicle crash, they were obviously ready to meet their Maker, in Heaven. What was the Enemies plan for death & destruction, is now Heavens gain. they were ready & this obit shows that. I am originally from Kelowna, did not know this couple personnly, but just reading this story, tells me that this story of their lives needs to be spread all across Kelowna, for others to know & they be prepared just like this couple, who died, so early in life, were still ready & prepared to meet their Maker in Heaven..
Blessings of peace to now be that God would comfort them through this tradegy & shock, but feel God’s peace around them now as they need it. Please share this story, around as you all feel best.
Please accept our sincere condolences from our family to yours. Robert and Tonya will be dearly missed by many. I remember the last time we visted your family in Kelowna, just how happy they were together, surrounded by asupportive and loving family. Take care.
We had fun back in Dauphin and Sifton. I remember the day Darwin opened up the Rad cap in Roberts van in the winter that was funny. Always remember the days you shared, through pain and hurt be strong as Robert would want you to be.
Sending much Love to my Cousin Anne and Morris, Cousins Sheldon, Shari, Darwin, Travis and families, Robert and Tonya’s Children, and to Tonya’s family. I am so grateful and thankful to have seen you all when we visited Kelowna in 2015 and again in 2016 after not seeing the family in a very long time. You are a such a beautiful close knit and loving family. I am so fortunate to be a part of this incredible extended family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Cousin Anne, Morris, and Family – Beautiful memory I will always cherish. ❤️
Morris, Ann and families – may you find strength to get through the these difficult days, our thoughts and prayers.
Robert… was the best Landlord ever….. my condolences 🙏
So sad. A very kind soul! You are missed.