Darwyn Wowk

Darwyn Lindsay Wowk was born on November 21, 1962, in Russell, Manitoba.  He passed away peacefully at his home in MacGregor on January 5, 2025.

Darwyn grew up in Inglis, Manitoba.  He went to school in Inglis then onto Major Pratt Collegiate in Russell.  He went to secondary and got his Heavy Duty Mechanics via Assiniboine Community College.  Darwyn loved working but enjoyed a variety of jobs.  He ran a rotary camp North of Thompson, Manitoba, surveyed in Edson, Alberta, and managed a Shell Gas Station in Alberta.  While in Alberta he met Sherry and had a daughter Melanie who was the joy of his life.

 When he was diagnosed with MS he moved back to Manitoba and worked at Sooters Studios in Portage La Prairie.  During this time he became very proactive for persons with disabilities, MS Board, Portage Handivan, Villa Royale Apartment Complex, and advocating to make Portage la Prairie accessible for disabled persons.

His MS now making him a quadriplegic and in need of Self Managed Home Care.  His needs changed.  He was having a hard time finding honest people to work with him.  In 2004 he hired Kathy Hannah to care for him.  A welcome positive addition to his life.  Darwyn moved to his last place of residence near MacGregor.  For the next 20 years Kathy took care of him.  Along with her extended and growing family.

Kathy took Darwyn on numerous holidays and crazy adventures.  Travelling to such places as San Antonio Texas, the Grand Canyon, Vegas, etc.

A year later Darwyn went to Ottawa, Ontario to reconnect with his daughter Melanie.  He met his grandchildren Sarah, Jordan, and Tyson.  He also visited Niagra Falls along the way.

In this past year his health deteriorated rapidly.  A to do bucket list was almost completed.  He enjoyed many adventures completing his list.  Included was his with to ride a helicopter in August of 2024.  This lasted for 45 minutes with him grinning from ear to ear.

He lived well beyond his expected life span thanks to Kathy and her extended family which he now called his own.

He is survived by his daughter Melanie; grandchildren Sarah, Jordan, Tyson, Adam, Jamal, and Zaynah; companion and caregiver Kathy Hannah and her family Melissa (Liam, Zakk), Lindsay, (Kane, Ashton, Dezray), Jennifer and Chris (Alice, Kaiden); brothers Lory, Kevin, Trevor, Tim; sisters Sharon, Tammy.

He was preceded by his brother Wayne, parents Dorothy and Rudy Wowk.

Special thanks to Home care case coordinator Brae Drummond, Gerri Masson; home care nursing staff; palliative care team (you are wonderful); Dr. Parker; Dr. Delaquis; and the nursing staff at the Portage Hospital.   Thank you everyone for your kind words and support throughout Darwyn’s long journey with medical issues.

Donations may be made to the family to cover funeral costs.