Victor Starchuk

Victor John Starchuk of Roblin, MB passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at the age of 77 years.  He was the son of George and Mary Starchuk (nee Darry).  He lived his entire life in the Nova Zorra area helping his dad, Uncle John and Eugene on the farm.  Victor went to Toronto for one winter, returning to the farm to what he liked best.  He drove school bus, bulldozer, clearing fence line and land for many people.  He logged up in the bush until LP moved in and no one else was allowed to take logs.  After that he went into cutting firewood for himself and anyone who needed it.  As the ground froze in the fall he would take his bush shack into the forest and start cutting with the help of his friends.  Then in spring time he would start to bring in the loads of wood.  It never mattered how cold it was, he would go into the bush, the shack would be warm and the kettle on the stove for coffee, skidder idling.  Farming was another one of his favourite things to do.  During calving time, he’d be up early in the morning, couple of cups of coffee (instant, can milk, three teaspoons of sugar) and go check his cows, where he would spend his time just watching them. Victor loved animals; horses, cows, dogs. Victor always liked to help people; neighbors, friends and strangers. They would come to the house or phone when they needed a pull out of the ditch. Winter time he would take his 8440 to pull them out. Whenever someone needed help he was there. Victor enjoyed their company. As a councillor he enjoyed helping people and talking to them; doing what he could to help. When he lost his normal voice to cancer that did not slow him down, he learned how to use it and he was gone again doing what he liked best. Victor also liked John Deere tractors, his had a three point hitch, no cab, he used it to check the fence, cows, cutting hay and cutting grass for his neighbors, himself and the Zorra Cemetery or just going to visit his Uncle John. Then he got his 440, a powerhouse he would call it. You knew when he started it, the rumble and black smoke going straight into the air with smoke rings, then it would go into a low rumble. This tractor came with air conditioning which he used on hot days to do his riding around with. Chevy trucks were his transportation and when his Uncle John got a Ford there were some pretty interesting conversations. Victor had a twinkle in his eye, a handshake, a smile and a chair for you at his table. A cup of coffee and more if you were willing to sit and have a conversation. Someone once called Victor a “friendly giant”.

He leaves to mourn, aunt, Rose Bulla of Toronto, ON, Elsa; brother, Eugene, Phyllis Gimli; sister, Pat of Prince George, BC; nephews, Conrad (Tenila), Trent, Robert; niece, Cindy and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Starchuk; his uncle, John; his brother, Darcy and many aunts and uncles.

A service was held for Victor on Monday, July 8 at 2:00 pm from Sneath-Strilchuk's Roblin Chapel with interment to follow in the Nova Zora Cemetery.    

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Victor's memory to the Roblin Community Foundation - Cemetery Fund.  

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