October 27, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Tony Antoniuk on October 27th. Tony was a vibrant 89 years old.
Tony was born in Sapozhyn, Ukraine, in August of 1934. When Tony was just 5 years old, he and his family embarked on a journey to Canada. The family reunited with relatives in Bonnyville, Alberta, and established their homestead. Breaking new farmland in east-central Alberta was an exceptionally arduous endeavor. Tony was one of seven children, and the strong work ethic instilled by their parents ensured their collective success in their new country and in life.
From a young age, Tony harboured a dream of becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This dream became a reality in 1956 when, at the age of 21, he was sworn into the Force. His career boasted many highlights, including his selection for the famed Musical Ride.
At his first posting following the Musical Ride, Tony met his first wife, Nancy. They exchanged vows in 1960 and were blessed with three children: Karen (Rodney), Marnie (John), and Robert (Jason).
The majority of Tony's illustrious career was spent in various Saskatchewan communities, often with Nancy serving as his steadfast partner in these small towns where Tony provided dedicated police service. He was exceptionally proud of having two postings at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, and his final role was as Superintendent Training Officer.
In 1991, Tony retired after 35 years of dedicated service, and he and Nancy relocated to Qualicum Beach to embark on their retirement journey. Tragically, Nancy passed away in 1998 from Cancer.
Love found its way into Tony's life once again in 2004 when he met his second wife, Nina. They sealed their union in October 2005 and never looked back. For 18 years, Tony and Nina travelled extensively, both in their motorhome and across the globe. Family always remained a paramount priority for both of them, and they took great pleasure in the blending of their two families into one.
Tony was a generous, faithful, fun-loving, and supportive man who focused on the family and friends that made his world complete. He was gregarious, loved people, and had a terrific sense of humour. People were naturally drawn to Tony, not only for his warm-hearted nature but also for his love for 'dad jokes' that never failed to bring a smile to those around him.
He was an active member of his church, where he held roles on the parish council, in music liturgy, served as a lector, and was a dedicated 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, rising on more than one occasion to the position of Grand Knight.
Tony was a pathological fundraiser, tirelessly working for his community and church, as well as for the Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes and the Kidney Foundation. If you operated a business in Oceanside, you likely knew Tony, and you knew that refusing his fundraising efforts was no easy task. Over the 32 years he resided in the area, he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for commendable charitable causes.
An ardent golfer and avid gardener, he maintained his vitality through an active lifestyle.
In addition to his wife and two of his three children, Tony is survived by his sister Lida, stepdaughter Laura (Doug), grandchildren Amy (Lyle), Corey (Terri-lynn), Eric (Amanda), Matt (Amy), Kaleigh (Ryan), and Morgan (Travis), as well as step-grandchildren Garrett, Spencer, and Ashley. He was a great-grandfather to Brett, Kailyn, Dale, Nora, Ada, Theo, Jackson, and Georgia.
Tony was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Nancy, his daughter Marnie, and his siblings Tom (Frances), John (Susan), Bill (Jean), Julianna (Harry), and Nellie (Stan).
Funeral Arrangements by Yates
November 11, 2 p.m.
Catholic Church of the Ascension
887 Wembley Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2E6
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Canadian Cancer Society or a charitable organization of your choice.
Yates Memorial Services
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