Ken (Hootsie) Huculak

Ken (Hootsie) Huculak

On November 3, 2023, Ken (Hootsie) passed away peacefully after battling dementia. 

Much loved, Ken will be forever missed by his loving wife Donna, son Robert (Suzanne), daughter Nikki and sister Lanette (John). 

Ken grew up and lived his life in Lockport, MB.   Donna and Ken were married in 1966, welcoming Robert in 1967 and Nikki in 1972.  In 1973, Ken and Donna built their dream home along the Red River.   This was their little peace of paradise.  Ken was always so very proud of their home and yard.   He loved planting trees everywhere - even in Donna’s flower beds, which drove her crazy.   

Ken’s career was at the Selkirk Generating Station, as Stationary Engineer.   He enjoyed his job and coworkers, many who became lifelong friends.  He loved recalling the stories of the pranks they played on each other, fondly enjoying these memories.       

Ken was an avid outdoorsman, with a love of fishing and hunting.   He was well known along the Red River for his fishing skills, almost always sharing his catches with others.  He made many lasting friends locally and from other parts of the world while fishing.  

After his retirement, Ken found passion in building beautiful birdhouses and birdfeeders, many of which adorn the yards of every family member, friend and so many others from all over the place.   Ken was incredibly artistic and took pride in his creations. 

Ken was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wicked sense of humor.  He loved to tease, sometimes a little too much, although he never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings.  Ken loved spending time with family and at gatherings, he was quick to join his nephews in a friendly wrestling match.  Lots of laughs, shared amongst all.  He was very social and lots of fun to be with, making friends everywhere he went.  It was amazing to see how many of the younger generation gravitated towards Ken, looking up to him as a trusted mentor and friend.  

He was clever and determined, always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.   He enjoyed volunteering at the Selkirk Food Bank for over 10 years, even as health was declining.  He cared for others, often going out of his way to deliver care packages to those in need.   

We would often tease Ken about his love affair with his riding lawnmower.  As his health deteriorated, this became his main mode of transportation around the yard and down the highway.   He was constantly fixing that lawnmower.   As his dementia progressed, Ken sometimes lost his lawnmower driving privileges.  He was only “allowed” to ride to his shop and back, although we have since heard he was quite sneaky and still on the go all over the neighborhood.  

We would like to thank our families for their love and care.  Ken deeply treasured you all.   Special thanks for Dr. Sathianathan and Dr. Shenouda for your care for many years.  Thank you to the Nurses Aides and Nurses at Tudor Home for your care and kindness.  He called you “his girls” and you really were his highlight in the place he never wanted to be. Thank you for being his Angels and also our support.      

Respecting his wishing, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are welcomed to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.  Dementia is such a devasting disease that robs people of their minds and body.  We pray for a cure. 

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