Neil Happychuk
Obituary
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Neil Happychuk and his beloved dog, Storm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, of Buffalo Point, Manitoba.
Neil is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 49 years Valerie, their daughter Charity (Dean), and his favourite little buddy, their grandson, Ryder.
He is also remembered by his siblings Gene (Elizabeth), Luba Beange, Boris (Theresa), Lawrence (Olga), Sonya (Peter) Prociuk, Iris (Bob) Cesmystruk, Taras (Jane), Olga Katerynuk and Shirley (David) Machula. Neil is also sadly missed by his sisters and brothers-in-law Ginny (John) Tost, Murray (Corinne) Machej and Melodie (Colin) Ritchie along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Katherine, brother Emil, sister Myrtle, parents-in law Carl and Kay Machej, brothers-in-law Roy Williamson, Bill Katerynuk and Murray Beange and his niece Kara Happy.
Neil was born on April 6th, 1954, in Vita, Manitoba and grew up on the family farm in Sundown, Manitoba. Neil developed his strong work ethic on the farm by doing chores which included the feeding and herding of animals along with planting and harvesting of vegetables and grains. Neil graduated from Shevchenko School in 1972 then went to Red River before becoming a linesman with Manitoba Hydro.
While at a friend’s wedding in 1974, Neil met the love of his life, Valerie Machej also known as his “Maggie”.
1976 was an exciting and eventful year for Neil. He joined the Winnipeg Police, married Valerie and their daughter Charity was born.
Neil had an accomplished 28-year career with the Winnipeg Police. He worked in all the city districts and in different specialty units as a Constable, Detective Sergeant and Sergeant. Neil also attended various training sessions and received certifications at the Winnipeg Police Training Academy and at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.
After his retirement in 2004, Neil and Val moved to their cabin at Buffalo Point with their dog Skosha. Neil loved living out at the lake and being surrounded by trees, wildlife and the water.
Neil worked part time for Buffalo Point Maintenance and did various carpentry and yard maintenance jobs for friends and neighbours.
In the winter months, Neil would often be seen out on the lake ice fishing. He loved to fish with family members and friends, especially with his grandson Ryder where they’d often have a peanut party and listen to music in the ice shack.
After Skosha passed away, Neil and Val received their second K9 dog, Storm. Neil and Storm would go for daily walks down to the lake and play ball in the yard.
Neil loved playing sports in his early years with baseball and hockey being his favourites. He was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Yankees.
Neil loved travelling to various regions in Mexico with Val and Charity and with Happychuk family members and friends. A family trip to Disney World with Charity, Dean and Ryder was a highlight with many memories.
Neil loved his family and many friends with which he hosted dinners and parties with Val where there was always good food, drinks and laughs shared.
Over the last 15 years, Neil experienced various health issues however, he always kept moving by being active with his daily walks and by doing small jobs.
Thank you to Dr. D. Caners, Dr. J. Weiss, specialists and clinics who provided compassionate care and support to Neil over the years.
On Tuesday, December 16th, Neil went out ice fishing with Storm and sadly, they never returned.
We’d like to thank the Buffalo Point Fire Department, the Buffalo Point Emergency Services, Buffalo Point Staff – All Departments, Buffalo Point Community, the Sprague RCMP, the Winnipeg Police and the Winnipeg Police Underwater Search and Recovery Team for everything they did to bring Neil and Storm home.
Thank you to our family and friends for all the love and support you’ve provided during this time. Neil and Storm are forever in our hearts, Vichnaya Pamyat.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba. A private interment will occur at a later date.
