Darwin was born on June 9th, 1950 to Vernon (Tuey) and Irene (née Walford) Haluschak. He spent his schooldays with his younger sister Cheryl (Chickie) in Garson, before moving with his family to Azilda. His heart, however, always remained in Garson and at the family camp on Lake Wahnapitei. Darwin lived with several life challenges that he endured stoically. In his younger years he loved swimming, fishing and gardening. He was an avid reader who was fascinated by history and the movies, and listened to the “oldie goldies” of the ‘60s. When he could no longer go to the cinema he became an obsessive viewer of Turner Classic Movies. Blue jeans were not part of his wardrobe as his taste was rather more ‘upscale’, and he had a love of good food – most particularly chocolate! He always looked forward to seasonal events, and in fact any excuse for a party.
Darwin lived for a number of years at the Ukrainian Seniors’ Centre before health issues caused a need for more supportive care. He moved to the Independence Centre and Network (ICAN) where he lived for the last twelve and a half years, receiving exemplary care and support. His ICAN family included the outstanding staff and caregivers, his roommates and fellow residents (too many to name), who together provided him with a warm, loving and caring home.
He was very fortunate to have his medical needs optimally met through home visits for many years by Dr Mark Dubé, and more recently by Dr Emily Dubé, to whom we are forever grateful.
He was in declining health and died peacefully in his sleep in his home at ICAN on 27th February.
Darwin’s ability to cope with adversities that few would be able to endure, and to maintain his dignity throughout, was an enormous strength from which we can all draw inspiration.
He is survived by his loving and devoted sister Cheryl, and her husband Roger Parsons; by his aunt Bernice (née Haluschak) Crowe and by his cousins from the Maskwa, Clarkson/Crowe and Meskell/Kucyk families.
A celebration of Darwin’s life will be held in late spring.