Obituary of Daniel Roy Trochim

Dan passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 3rd, 2024. A son, brother, loving husband, brother-in-law, father, grandfather, uncle, great uncle, great-great uncle, and friend, Dan was loved by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters Carole (Chad) McMillan and Lisa Trochim and his beautiful granddaughter Emily McMillan.  He is also survived by his older brother Leonard Trochim (Reva), sister-in-law Stella Trochim as well as nieces and nephews Lena (Tom) McDougal, Terry (Theresa) Manitowich, Valerie (Randy) Jakul, Don (Sharon) Trochim, Barb (Paul) Wilkinson, Lawrence (Debbie) Trochim, Lorraine Bennett, Debbie (Lance) Winslow, Dennis Trochim, Lyle Trochim, Jan (Al) Trochim, Diane (Ken) Baudru, Karen (Brian) Kanovsky, Russell (Noreen) Trochim, Arlene (Jeff) Thurston, Lana (Mitch) Daly, Bruce (Erna) Trochim, Brenda (Mark) Yakel, his “Klips Kids”- Barbara  (Cam) McCleod, Lauren and late Blake Delgaty, Keith Klips, Gary(Darlene) Klips, Leslie (Larry) Wishlow, Jacqueline (Michael) Hryciuk, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Dan also had many special friends.

He is predeceased by his wife Elaine, parents Nicholas and Lena Trochim, his mother and father-in-law Mary and Michael Andrusiak, sister and brother-in-laws Olga and Tony Manitowich, Michael and Nellie Trochim, Nellie and Norman Apshkrum, Peter Trochim, Bill and Stella Trochim, Joe and Irene Trochim, Julia and Don Lefteruk, Joan and Jack Klips, his niece Cathy Spear and his great nephew Cameron Connor McLeod Jr.

Dan was born at the Farm in Poplar Park on February 6, 1939.  He grew up on the farm and spent many years working hard taking care of their land and their animals.  He moved to Winnipeg when he was 16 to start working as a delivery man at Eatons.  He later started working at the CN Shops in Transcona where he had a long, happy, and successful career as a Machinist’s Helper. Dan also spent many years umpiring baseball and goal-judging hockey for the Transcona Railers.

He had a strong desire to help others.  He was a dedicated and devoted volunteer.  He canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for over 40 years, worked at the hospitality suite at Blood Services Canada for over 15 years, volunteered for Rainbow Stage for many summers selling 50/50 tickets, and volunteered over 7500 hours to St. John Ambulance.  He was awarded the Order of St. John’s Commander Medal at Rideau Hall on Parliament Hill for his service.  He also spent many hours volunteering for Transcona Memorial United Church, where he and Elaine were devoted members for over 50 years.

As he loved to say, Dan met his loving wife Elaine down by the riverside while fishing at Pine Falls in 1959.  They married on September 8, 1962, and spent an amazing 60 years together. Dan loved Elaine deeply and missed her so very much after her passing in January of 2023.  He continued to buy her flowers and put them on the dining room table for her until he got sick in May.  He spoke often of “his sweetheart” and the love that they shared.

Dan was an uncle to many, including to the friends of nieces and nephews, a doting father to Carole and Lisa, a super father-in-law to Chad, and the best Papa to Emily.  He loved his family fiercely and was happiest when surrounded by them.  He was the kind of person who showed up.  He never missed a dance recital, trumpet performance, school play or family party.  Ever reliable, ever willing to lend a helping hand.

Dan was a friendly, kind, and outgoing person.  He had numerous dear friends with whom he spent many good times talking about whatever was on his mind.  Many card games, coffee meet ups, hockey games and just good conversations were had with so many.

He thrived on connection,  loved being around people, and loved to tell stories. There are many stories that we have heard - times spent at the farm with his family, tales of hunting and fishing, outdoor adventures, times spent playing cards, hanging out at family cottages and family vacations.  No matter the occasion, Dan had a story to tell you.  

As his great-nephew Cameron liked to say, “The gift is in the story.”  So as we gather together to remember Dan, we ask you to please write out your favourite story about Dan and bring it with you.  We will be collecting the stories so they can be remembered forever.  If you cannot attend Dan’s service but want to share your story with us, please post it here in the memorial section.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Transcona Memorial United Church’s building fund, a charity of your choice in Dan’s memory, and/or donating blood. 

We would like to thank the nurses, doctors, healthcare aids, and volunteers at HSC GD-6 and the Palliative Care Ward at St. Boniface Hospital.  The support, compassion, and excellent care Dad received was remarkable and made his final journey comfortable.  You are amazing humans and we appreciate all you did for him.

Rest peacefully Dad.  We will miss you.  We love you.  We will remember you.

Vichnaya Pamyat.

We will spend time remembering Dan and celebrating his life on Wednesday, July 10th at 10:00 am at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. West.

For those who are unable to attend, but would like to join us virtually for Dan's Celebration of Life, please use the following zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85942698349?pwd=ab0ONaRWjQbMhh8KMWNkQoK8fzoWii.1

A private interment of Dan’s ashes will be held at a later date.