Allan Bruchanski

1934 – 2021

Our loving husband, dad and papa Allan Bruchanski passed away peacefully at home on June 24^th, 2021, the place he loved most, surrounded by the love of Terry and his children, Timm, Wendy, Angela and Raquel.

Allan was born in Brokenhead on September 27, 1934 to Margaret and Michael Bruchanski.  He grew up with his nine brothers and sisters and started working on the family farm in Lac du Bonnet as a young teenager.  He loved to work hard and and took pride in everything he did.  The objective was always, “whatever it takes,” whether at bush camps, building roads or lagoons, and cutting 60 cords of pulpwood and piling them by hand at 65 years old.  There are also many buildings in the Lac du Bonnet area that he moved including our cabins – clearing land to give us each a piece of home along the Winnipeg River. 

Allan shared his passion for hunting, fishing and farming with Timm.  Always a good conversation in the morning at the kitchen table with a plan for the day and a check-in on the weather. 

When Allan did take time to relax he enjoyed a cup of tea, watching hockey greats like Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin, playing one of his 10 accordions or racing Terry in word search.  Allan rarely went far from home, but two years ago with Terry, Wendy and Angela ventured to visit Raquel and Rob and family in Maryland where so many more special memories were made.

Allan was always a tease, especially to his family.  From pinching a nose, shooting elastics or a clothespin to the ear, this was followed with his big smile, dimples and a good laugh. 

Nothing meant more to Allan than family.   He was heart-broken when his mother died so young and later losing his sisters Beverly, Lorette, Margie and brother Mort.  He was so grateful to have Grant, Wayne, Bonnie, Brenda and Sherrin close by and to his dad for buying him his first accordion.

Along with Allan’s family, he had many close friends and neighbors who he spoke so highly of.   Whether it was lending a helping hand, playing music, working on a job site, another outdoor adventure, or conversation and a good debate over a cup of tea, these friendships lasted his lifetime.

Everyone who met Allan knew quickly he was a storyteller.  He could tell a story in great detail remembering a name like no other.  “A guy by the name of…” He could make his colourful language sound like poetry.  How fortunate we are that last year he took to putting some of his life stories to paper.  As he wrote on the bottom of his last page and sure to be the title “This book was written by me, Allan Bruchanski.”

Terry meant the world to him and he always showed her so much love and appreciation for all she did.    

“HE DIDN’T TELL US HOW TO LOVE OR LIVE.  HE LET US WATCH HIM DO IT.”

Forever loved by his wife Terry, children Timm (Chantal), Wendy (Jeff), Angela (Joel), Raquel (Robert) and grandchildren, Justina (Tyler), Bradley, Clayton, Branton, Owen, Jacob, Isabel, Aleana, Eben and Eden.  Due to Covid 19 restrictions the family will hold a small private gathering to celebrate his amazing life this summer.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Bruneau and the nursing staff for their care and family and friends for their support and kind messages.

Allan loved his life, his wife, his children and his many grandchildren, and this river…

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