We Remember
WANCHULAK, George William
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It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of George Wanchulak on November 15, 2022.
George was born June 13, 1928, in Edmonton, Alberta. He was raised in Hamlin, AB, where he started school as a young boy, then moved to Myrnam, AB, and finally Willingdon, AB, on the farm.
In 1944, at the age of 16, George went to Edmonton to work for Canadian National Railway. He started in the dining car, traveling to Vancouver, Winnipeg and on various troop trains from Halifax to Seattle.
In 1951, George married Shirley Ann Chernavitch. They had a daughter Tracy Lynn Wanchulak on November 11, 1961. In 1956 he was transferred to Edmonton as a Trainman-Conductor working in various parts of Alberta. George and Shirley divorced in 1965. George later met and married Barbara Rose Kattler on March 30, 1970. In 1987 he retired from CNR with 43 years of service, and moved to Kelowna in 1991. They resided at Westwood Retirement Resort for the last 8 years.
Barbara and George bought a motor home and would spend their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. In Edmonton, they belonged to The Gypsywheels Trailer Club. George loved to play softball in Arizona and Kelowna. He also was a softball umpire for 14 years. He was a member of the Elks, on the council at Grandview Terrace, attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, sang in the choir at Westwood Retirement Resort, and played pool at the Senior Center.
George was always known for his humor and always enjoyed life. He was such a social person and enjoyed to be around people. George liked gardening, playing pool weekly, fishing, exercising, and especially watching his hummingbirds.
Our family would like to say a special thank you and much love to Audrey Frisken, family friend, of West Kelowna who was always there for George, either bringing him cookies or just checking up on him regularly.
A Memorial Service, with a reception to follow, will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PST), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Father Rex Velmonte will be officiating. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Livestream:
Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
We were so saddened to hear of George’s passing. He was a special man with an infectious smile who made everyone laugh. The world will be a dimmer place without him. Our love and prayers are with Tracy and the rest of our family.
Uncle George you will be missed back in Saskatchewan by all your family, I will miss picking u up at airport & our weiner roasts, RIP Uncle you are now with your ❤️ love of your life ❤️ Ron & Jane & families
Bob and I would like to extend our condolences to Tracey and the Wanchulak family. We have very fond memories of George’s great sense of humour and his
very special and lifelong relationship he shared with my dad (Paul). May George rest in peace..
So sorry to hear of Geoge’s passing. My condolences. He was such a fun person
So sorry to hear of Your Dads passing missed seeing him these last 2 years he was so full of life and energy ! When dad passed away all we talked about was uncle George and dads many adventures ! Miss you to Tracy been to many years ! One day we will meet up again ! Take care and so sorry to hear of uncle George’s passing !
Diana Dale and family!
Will post a photo at a later date
Tracy & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. May fond and dear memories replace any void in your hearts. With Deepest Sympathies, Roy & Donna Stasiuk, on behalf of all your Queen Elizabeth CHS friends and colleagues.
We are sending our deepest condolences and big hugs
Love from Aunt Alice and Aunt Cathy
We lost a man if you ever met him you would never forget!!! Things from playing the fiddle on your figures to blowing train whistle horn in his beer bottles and i will never forget gypsy wheels rolling in for a couple week visit . We will have uncle George stories forever .Condolences to you Tracey take care
We were so sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was a dear family friend, so supportive of our mother, Audrey. He will be missed.