William (Bill) Tycholis
Obituary
Passed on
December 31, 1936 – June 6, 2025
It is with great love that we say goodbye to Gigi, who passed away peacefully at the
age of 88.
He will be forever missed by his children Vincent (Jana), Cynthia (Mark) and Jennifer
(Ryan), and his 5 grandchildren whom he adored Megan, Rylan, Chloe, Dylan and
Sasha. He was predeceased by his parents Wasyl and Nastia, brothers Mike, Tony,
Joseph and Walter, sisters Mary, Justine and Olga. Gigi is survived by his sisters Ann
and Steffie.
Gigi was the youngest of 10 children, born on a homestead in Poplarfield. His father
(Wasyl) passed away when he was only 3 months old, leaving him to be raised by his
mother (Nastia) and mostly his sisters. Attending school was often not an option as he
was required to help provide on the farm. We were always told stories of all the siblings
sleeping head to toe in only two beds with homemade down comforters and their hair
freezing to the walls.
Gigi was introduced to his wife Aileen through her dad’s brother Lawrence Husiak, who
was a close friend. The courtship began in Poplarfield and they both moved to
Winnipeg to start their careers. Gigi joined the Manitoba Power Commission at the age
of 21. His career with Manitoba Hydro spanned 33 years with placements in Gillam
and Jenpeg. In 1991 he retired from his position with Haulage Services in Winnipeg.
They raised 3 children. Vincent, born in 1969, with Cynthia born 3 years later and then
Jennifer, 3 years after that. They settled in Stonewall in 1978. It was a busy household
full of kids sports, Ukrainian dancing, camping, family BBQs and many, many funerals.
The school board once reached out to Aileen to confirm that was actually a reason that
the kids were missing so much school.
Summers were either spent traveling jammed in the camper going from East Coast to
West Coast, fishing at Perrault Lake Camp with a new crew every time or just at home
on the lawnmower, in the garden or by the BBQ. Always shirtless with a dark tan and a
cold beer in his hand. The rest of the year Gigi enjoyed cutting wood and hunting with
brothers and nephews in Poplarfield and Duck Mountain. Gigi curled in Stonewall and
Stony Mountain until 2017. He loved to play a game of cribbage with Jen or anyone
who came to visit him. The Jets or Blue Jays were always on in the background.
Gigi would do anything for his grandchildren. Especially his first, Megan. His Little
Mouse. She could do no wrong. Gigi would show up to Vincent and Jana’s house in
Stonewall at the crack of dawn everyday. Whether it was to babysit, go to the park or
just to deliver the mail and have a coffee. In the summer of 2001 a major life event
took place. We were all at Perrault Lake Camp and Megan developed a rash from
Gigi’s moustache. The next thing we knew off to the shower Gigi went and a new man
appeared. For the first time ever his children saw Gigi clean shaven without mustache
all for his Little Mouse. Then came Rylan, and Chloe, Dylan and Sasha. He always
saved his loonies and toonies to put in a pill bottle and wrap up for their birthdays or
special holidays.
In the last few years he looked forward to watching Heartland, eating a good meal and
his monthly haircut. Such simple things.
Thank you to everyone who took time to visit Gigi the last few years. We would
especially like to acknowledge Paulette, Gordie and Shirley who would often provide a
home cooked Ukrainian meal.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Extendicare Red River Place in Selkirk and
Rosewood Personal Care Home in Stonewall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your
choice.
Comments
Don’t forget the fish fry!! He was great friend!q I
Belva Luty
So sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences.
James and Debbie Dykstra
Our condolences to the remaining family of Bill Tychollis , sorry for your loss, Bill was one of a kind , proud, of family in every instance , and a true friend .
Bill and Anna Fast
Our deepest condolences.
Darlene & Dave Bernier
We have many memories of Gigi from Stonewall, Selkirk and finally in Calgary. I’ll never forget when Megan was born, his first grand child, it lit up his world along with all the other grandchildren. Gigi was extended family to us and will be missed dearly. Nothing brought him more pleasure than seeing the family gathered and him sitting quietly in the background watching the fun unfold. Sending our condolences and love to you all. Take care.
Jodi Charlesworth
Deepest condolences from our family to yours. Billy's jokes and bbq masterclass level skills will be remembered fondly.
Sandra Luty
What a beautiful obituary, it really sums up Billie’s life nicely. I remember his visits to the cottage where fun and chaos always ensued. He was a man full of life and we were very sorry to hear of his passing. Our sincere condolences
Jim and Debbie Luty
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Bill. The kindness, warmth, and generosity he showed us over the years will not be forgotten. He always made sure to keep in touch, spoiled us with cinnamon buns, perogies and Pizza Den, and always had a great fishing story to share. Whenever we watch our son ride his balance bike, put loonies in his first piggy bank, or we drink a random Bud Light, we will remember his friendship and the memories he helped create for us. We will miss him dearly, may he rest in peace.
Carly & Lane van Kemenade
Our deepest condolences. Hopefully these amazing memories will help to ease tge pain of your loss.
Coral and Steve Murphy
I’m so sorry for your loss. What an incredible tribute you’ve written him. He definitely was loved! Thinking of you and your family at this time Trish MacCormack (Jeremy’s mom)
Trish MacCormack
Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful write up. Billy would come and watch us curl in Stonewall. He had a big smile! He was so friendly and generous, buying us all breakfast, even though we haven’t seen him in years. My Baba Stephie always spoke so fondly of him as well. Thinking of you all.
Jenna Froese
Extending my very sincere condolences to all of Bills family. Never easy to say goodbye. Lovely story of Bills life just learning of how young he was when he lost his Dad. Have memories of him when they lived across the street from us on Roswell Place. There was always continuing teasing and joking around between Uncle Bill and myself. Thinking of you all as you all come together to celebrate his life.
Saundra Dukelow
Vincent, Cynthia, Jennifer & family, Our condolences to the entire family. May your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time. Love, Sue (Kowalsky) & Fred Snyder & Wally Kowalsky
Sue Snyder
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful Uncle. I will always remember you taking me camping with Jen or letting me stay over at your house to visit. You will be forever missed, I hope there is peace and you and Dad and your other siblings are together again. Rest peacefully dear Uncle, sending much love to the family.
Heather Munns
A loving tribute to a remarkable man and cherished uncle. Your kindness, wisdom, and warmth touched all who knew you. Rest peacefully,dear uncle. May you and Papa Joe reunite among the stars and journey together through the heavens above. ❤️❤️❤️
Myles
Awe you all could not have written anything better to describe “GIGI” so so many great memories of him ❤️ he didn’t like the limelight… the family gatherings and Gigi always cooking and bringing the “meat “ or cabbage rolls and being in charge of tending to the BBQ 😋 he just enjoyed being surrounded by family, showing up to bring the mail once Megan arrived made me smile 😊 he was like family to me and i will miss him dearly….condolences to the family
Joy Unik
Such a beautiful and moving description of Gigi and his love for his family. Thank you for sharing it. Betsy Walker
Elizabeth Walker
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