Dave Tokarchuk

Born on 10 May 1941 in Saskatoon to Andrew and Anne (Markowski) Tokarchuk, Dave was a middle child who grew up alongside his older brother, Ernest, and two younger sisters, Janet and Anika. The family lived in Meacham, where the children played hide and seek in the corn fields and the boys had a secret fort where no sisters were allowed. The family moved into Saskatoon around 1950, where Dave attended Brunskill School and then City Park Collegiate.

Dave studied Physics at university but always kept a strong connection to the land, continuing to farm with his family near Elstow. His talents and ambitions extended well beyond the fields; he was a successful businessman who invested in oil and gas, and built and managed apartment blocks. He also had a remarkable gift for design and construction, proudly designing and building the family home in Saskatoon.

He eventually met the love of his life, Adeline (Addie) Pawliw, and they were married on 13 November 1970. They made their home in Saskatoon, where they lovingly raised their family. Dave was a quiet man, never one for extreme reactions, but his family always knew when he was truly happy by what they fondly called his "Snoopy smile." Dave had a quiet appreciation for many things in life. He loved watching storms roll in, enjoyed skiing, and in his retirement, followed in his mother's footsteps by taking up painting. Yet, his deepest dedication remained to farming and, above all else, caring for his family.

After retiring, Dave and Addie embraced a new chapter together. They enjoyed travels that took them to Mexico, Ukraine, and Egypt, and treasured the time spent visiting their children and extended family in the UK and the US. Despite all their adventures, both always had a special soft spot for Maui. His retirement dream was realised on an acreage on the riverbank near Aberdeen, where he designed and built a beautiful home for them to share.

In his final five years, Dave struggled with ill health, a challenge he faced while being lovingly and devotedly cared for by Addie.

He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Addie; his children, Laurissa (Matt Bocci) and family Will and Anya of Lewes, UK; Brent and family Kyra and Abigail of San Carlos, US; and Craig and family, Matthew, and Melessa of Edmonton; and his sisters Janet Lin of Salt Lake, US and Anika Tokarchuk of Quadra Island.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Royal University Hospital for their support. We are especially grateful to Intermediate Care Services and Home Care, whose dedicated services gave Dave the comfort of remaining in his beloved home until the very end.

A small family ceremony has been held, and our family will celebrate his life together at a later date. Donations in Dave’s memory can be made to the Salvation Army (https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/page/110150/donate/) or a charity of your choice.