It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tony. His departure comes still with a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply. Tony passed away at home on December 21st, 2023, after receiving an unexpected diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August. The sudden news came with much heaviness and surprise, as he didn’t feel quite ready to go. With the stage in which the disease was at, treatment was no longer a viable option and Tony opted to receive palliative home care to be more comfortable with his family by his side for the remainder of his days.

Tony was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan on December 11th, 1941, and was the youngest of 13 children. He worked for the City of Regina as a landscaper for the latter part of his career and even after he finished work, he just loved being outdoors. Everything from gardening and planting vegetables to traversing the boreal forest collecting morels after wildfire season, watching birds, and squirrels, fishing with friends, and admiring nature. Tony had a beautiful heart and connection with the animals and the outside, with his favorite book being North To Cree Lake (A L Karras,1971). When he was indoors, he loved to cook and prepare delicious meals for his family, many dishes being Ukrainian recipes inspired by his mother. Tony had a passion for sports and always tuned in to watch his favorite teams the Regina Roughriders and the Toronto Maple Leaf’s with an ice-cold beer and his kitties by his side. Tony found a lot of joy in going for drives, walks in solitude, working around the house, fixing things, and held a lot of pride in caring for his family. Tony was an original, very creative, and truly one of a kind with his unique quips and sayings. For Tony, being around lots of family and friends brought a huge smile to his face. He is deeply missed, loved extraordinarily, and eternally remembered by his Wife Valerie, daughter Shawna, and his granddaughter Chrissy.

At this time, the family has chosen to allow time for their grieving and postpone a celebration of life to an undetermined date. The family greatly appreciates your support during this difficult time and any written contributions by sharing your love for and memories of Tony will be forever appreciated, if you would like to be notified when a celebration for Tony’s life has been set, please feel free to provide your address and/or phone number to be sent word for a future date and time to memorysofanthony@gmail.com

Inspired by the last song he sang Lucille by Kenny Rogers
… You picked a fine time to leave us, Papa
We’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won't heal
You picked a fine time to leave us, Papa