Paul Doroshuk

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 88, Paul Doroshuk peacefully entered the glory of Heaven.
Paul was born to Paul Sr. and Irene Doroshuk of Swan River, MB, on November 27, 1936. He grew up with his four siblings, Mary, Anne, John and Elizabeth, on the family farm where his love of farming took root. While material wealth did not abound during Paul’s childhood, the joy of family did. Many aunts, uncles and cousins on neighbouring farms provided all of the entertainment (and shenanigans) needed, bestowing many precious memories.
Paul was a very determined man, perhaps interpreted as stubborn, however, it drove him to live his best life everyday. Not a moment was wasted on idleness. His endless energy and resilience drove his desire to carry on. Setbacks were not stop signs but reasons to reassess and change course.
Paul left Swan River, MB for Winnipeg as a young man and lived with his cousin Johnny. He found work at The Union Stockyards, Addis Gardens Cartage and then CN Railway. Paul met the love of his life, Gerd, at a mutual friend’s house. Gerd’s friend invited her to balance the number of guys to girls at the gathering. Although not interested in such an event, she finally agreed to join the group, and so began Paul’s own family story.
Paul and Gerd were married in Winnipeg in April 1959. While living in Winnipeg, they welcomed Philip, their first born, followed by the twins Linda and Lana.  In 1964, Paul moved the family to Swan River to farm full-time. Renee joined the family that same fall. As well, Robert and Lori entered the family during those years on the farm. Paul returned to work for CN and, in July of 1969, moved the family to Dauphin, where he fulfilled his career at CN Railway. He held various positions throughout his career, including administrative roles and yard office duties. He also served as a Union Representative and had the opportunity to travel to several Canadian cities for conventions, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Living in Dauphin distanced Paul from his Lidstone farm, but selling it was never an option. For over 55 years, Paul continued to farm in Lidstone on his days off work, during vacations and throughout his ‘retirement’. Of course, he did this with the help of his now seven children, as Jeff was added to the family after moving to Dauphin. Most family vacation time was spent at the farm, with Paul’s parents joining in after retiring from their own farm.  A vacation this was not! Picking rocks and roots, clearing bush and working the fields weren’t the kids’ first choice for their summer vacation, but Paul never found it to be work. He loved it and wanted everyone else to as well. Along with the typical farming tasks, sleeping in the CN Caboose and enjoying bonfires and barbecues rounded out the remote farming experience for the family. In addition to work and farming, Paul made time for other interests and commitments. He served on his church board in Dauphin as well as taught Adult Sunday School.  The timing for involvement in a winter sport aligned well with the farming seasons, and for about 15 years, Paul coached his sons, Rob and Jeff, and their friends in minor hockey.

Many evenings and weekends, Paul and his boys participated in games and tournaments around the province and occasionally into neighbouring provinces. Paul also held the position of President of Dauphin Minor Hockey. Throughout the years of coaching, Paul was recognized by the Dauphin Minor Hockey League for his dedication to his teams and the league. He has many awards and trophies to mark each achievement.
Paul retired from CN Rail in 1995, and knew that farming was the perfect way to fill his extra time. He found a second piece of land, closer to home in Sifton, that would be the ideal place to put his hand to the plow. Now, surely Paul would sell the farm near Swan River and settle in at Sifton. Not Paul! Just as Paul’s heart grew each time another one of his children was born, so too did it grow for another farm. For the next 20 years, Paul would commute to Sifton and Lidstone. He was living his dream!
Although Paul’s decline in health presented challenges to farming effectively and efficiently, he never gave in to those challenges. In late October 2024, Paul suffered a massive heart attack, which led to congestive heart failure. He never understood why his body didn’t fully recover. He just wanted to get back on the tractor and work the fields. He managed to seed his field in Sifton this past Spring and during the first week of October took one more trip to Lidstone and made his final round on the swather at Sifton. He had no reason to slow down.
Paul’s only regret is not being able to attend the wonderful gathering of all his family and friends celebrating his life.
Paul will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 66 years Gerd, son Phil (Carolyn) Doroshuk, grandson Evan (Jaimie) all of Edmonton, daughters Linda (Joseph) Harding of Regina, SK, Lana (Gary) Jennings of Morden, MB, grandson Gary Jr (Kelsey) Jennings, great-grandsons Leo and Asher of Calgary, AB, grandson Matthew Jennings of Winkler, MB, daughter Renee of St. Albert, AB, grandson Joshua (Danna) Puchailo, great-granddaughters Saida and Saryn of Edmonton, AB, granddaughter Jocelyn (Adam) Ferguson, great grandsons Zachary and Jaxson of Hinton, AB, grandson Cody Puchailo of St. Albert, AB, son Robert Doroshuk of Oslo, Norway, daughter Lorianne (David) Dunseath, grand-daughters Mackenzie, Riise and Camryn of Winkler, MB, son Jeffrey of Dauphin and sister Elizabeth of Oswego, Illinois, USA.  A close family bond was shared with Warren Justice and sons, Nathan, Ben, Jairus and Bergen and their families.
Many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, extended family, and friends will remember Paul fondly.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, Paul Sr and Irene, sister Mary and husband Andrew, sister Anne and husband Mike, and brother John.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to Dr. Fjeldsted and the Physicians and Nurses of the Dauphin General Hospital who so graciously provided excellent care for Paul throughout the past year. It truly meant a great deal to him to have the care that allowed him to remain independent.

A Viewing was offered on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin.

A public Interment was held at 1:00 pm, prior to the funeral service in the Riverside Cemetery in Dauphin.

A Funeral Service was held for Paul on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin with Reverend Phil Doroshuk and Reverend Gary Jennings officiating.  

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Paul may be made to a charity of one's choice.

The service will be live streamed for those that are unable to attend.

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