Obituary of Allison (Al) William Toronchuk

TORONCHUK, Allison (Al) William Allison (Al) William Toronchuk, of Vegreville, Alberta passed away on January 19, 2017 at the age of 83. Al is predeceased by his parents, Annie and Harry Toronchuk and son-in-law, Peter Simmons. We say farewell to a wonderful man: teacher, farmer, Knights of Columbus member, driver training instructor, gravel truck driver, community member but most of all a beloved husband to our mom Joan; father to his three daughters Marg, Val (Brent) Mitchell, Holly (Rick) Herbert; and grandfather to his five grandchildren - Erin, Kelsey, Colin, Jenna and Kaiden; also survived by his sister Sonia (Ernie) Hunka, family and friends. Born in Radway, Al grew up on a farm in Vegreville and Joan became the love of his life, meeting in high school. He went on to juggle university and work to become an industrial arts teacher; a farmer with his dad, Harry, and a father raising their three girls with Joan. Al was noted for his technical and teaching skills in the school shop, inspiring young students to create a wide assortment of crafts and projects. He took a break from teaching for a few years to own and drive his own gravel truck, and was proudly involved in the paving of the parking lot for West Edmonton Mall. Faith and community were always important to Al and he was very involved with the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, achieving Fourth degree. Al and Joan also loved travelling and made many trips abroad to religious sites in Medjugorje and Fatima, Portugal; to Japan to see daughter Marg, and to many other locations with family and friends. Travelling became more difficult for Al and Joan, but they were always happy to host visitors at their home on the farm. The farm hosted many family gatherings over the years and food and fun were always on the menu. Joan and Al moved off the farm into their new home in Vegreville in 1998. Due to his illness, Al moved into the Vegreville Long Term Care Centre (Cranberry Cottage) in 2012 where he charmed the staff with his warm smile, and loved playing crib and bingo. Al was always happy to see the children, spouses and grandchildren as often as possible. The Toronchuk family is very grateful for the care and kindness extended by the staff, helping him to get through every day. Al will be very sadly missed but we are all grateful to have had him in our lives. He inspired us, supported us in new adventures, instilled a love of learning and, helped us to appreciate of the scent of a newly mown wheat field on an August evening. “God took the strength of a mountain,
the majesty of a tree,
the warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea,
the generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night,
the wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle's flight, the joy of a morning in spring,
the faith of a mustard seed,
the patience of eternity,
 the depth of a family need,
then God combined these qualities.
When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete,
 and so, He called it ... "DAD!” A Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, 5701-51 Street, Vegreville, Alberta with Father Jim Nakonechny officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vegreville Care Centre - Patient Comfort Society (Box 295, Vegreville, AB T9C 1R2) or to the charity of your choice.