Obituary of James Wilchynski

WILCHYNSKI, James “Jim”

1935 - 3023

On Monday, May 29, 2023, Jim Wilchynskl, loving husband, father, Gido and Great Gido passed away peacefully at Regina General Hospital surrounded by family. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marrian (nee Lazar); their children, Brent Wilchynski (Dorothy), Darla Chinski (Roy), Blair Wilchynski (Angela), and Chad Wilchynski (Nicole). Jim was a proud Gido of Justin Wilchynski (Kaitlyn), Alissa Paley (Konrad), Jessica Goodwin (Ryan), Tyler Chinski (Rachael), Cole Wilchynski, Ethan Wilchynski, Locklyn Wilchynski, and Leo Malawski. He was Great Gido to Elizabeth, Timothy, Abigail, Kateri, Lily, Aubrey, Kayde, and baby Paley on the way. Jim also leaves behind, his sisters, Doris Haskey, Sonia Lipka, sisters-in-law Anne Wilchynski, Evelene Burhoff; as well as Alvin and Lynn Lazar, Bruce and Donna Lazar, Wayne, and Marilee Lazar; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, John and Victoria Wilchynski; his sister Lavern Olynick; brothers, Brian and Barry Wilchynski; brothers in-law Nick Olynick, George Haskey, Jim Lipka; his mother and father-in-law Anton and Florence Lazar, and brother-in-law John Burhoff.

Jim was born on October 18, 1935, near Fosston Sk. He grew up on a farm in the Ponass Lake District, and attended Park Villa School. Jim's family were active parishioners at BBA Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Ponass Lake Ukrainian Catholic Church. He took immense pride in his involvement. Jim enjoyed playing baseball and hockey with his friends as a child, and later enjoyed watching hockey, curling and baseball. When Jim married, he was a proud farmer who worked at the local hotel in the winter months. Eventually Jim and Marrian left the farm to pursue the hospitality industry as hotel/motel owners. Jim and Marrian worked diligently in the industry and retired from the industry early giving Jim the opportunity to continue working at jobs he enjoyed like driving school bus, working for the city, working for lpsco, and his last years at his Costco job. Jim took his positive and determined attitude to the many organizations he was involved in: Kinsmen, Knights of Columbus, Special Olympics, Board of Northwest Place, and Alcoholics Anonymous. He was proud to celebrate his 47 years of sobriety. Being a kind and devoted husband, father, Gido and Great Gido was at the forefront of Jim's life. He loved creating a laugh, lending a hand, dancing, playing cards, camping, travelling, celebrating holidays, special events and cheering on his Toronto Maple Leafs.

Prayer service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 425 Broad Street North, Regina, SK. Family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Knights of Columbus (attn: Knights of Columbus at ourladyofpeace@sasktel.net . Online condolences and cherished memories are gratefully appreciated by the family via www.speersfuneralchapel.com