It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darren Joseph Olynyk who died suddenly on November 17, 2018 at the young age of 54 following admission to the hospital with a heart attack. Fondly known as Dody, Darren will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children Samantha and Devin, his partner Ronella “Nel” and her daughters Reena and Renee. Darren leaves to mourn his parents, Elaine and Bert Olynyk; sisters, Debra (Paul) Lefebvre, Cheryl (Jug) Grover, Lori (Shann) Chartrand, and Trina (Steve) Herzog; and brother Derek (Kathy) Olynyk; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Darren dedicated his life to raising his two children to become beautiful young adults. He was very involved in every aspect of their lives. He was truly a family man as he ensured not only his children were taken care of, but often his parents too. He visited his mom and dad "just because." He loved his brother and sisters, being the heart of many family gatherings. Most recently, he vacationed with his only brother and son exploring Alberta. Darren's life was complete by enjoying quality time with Nel, the love of his life. They had many hopes and dreams for their future together. Darren grew up in Winnipeg and settled in the same neighbourhood he grew up in. He graduated from Maples Collegiate, excelling in automotive and cooking, after which Darren became skilled at providing delicious meals for his children. As a child, Darren would hang around the kitchen and peer into his mom's pots and pans, enquiring what she was making. She would respond, "Food." Darren would ask, "What kind of food?" The reply was always the same. "Good food." Darren was keen on working with his hands, a love developed as a young child while spending summers at his grandparent’s farm in Komarno. This evolved into building and repairing his own vehicles, and tinkering in his workshop on stereo and electronic equipment. It was a natural fit for Darren to choose a career path in this field as well. He worked at Flyer Industries as a machinist, helped his brother in his oil change business, and Amber Meadows Assisted Living Centre as a maintenance engineer. He was recruited from there to his most recent job as a building maintenance engineer at The Courts of St. James. He received many advancements and accolades for his work ethic and quality workmanship. He helped ensure the safety of his colleagues as Health and Safety Committee member. Darren had a great sense of humour which we all came to love. His personality, infectious smile and little cheeky quirks will always be missed. He really liked you if he called you Putz or Gooser. He insisted on the French way to say good-bye, a kiss on the side of each cheek. If you didn't do it quite right, you had to do it again. His impartial consideration of everyone’s point of view was most admirable, always lending his big shoulders to lean on. Animals were very special to Darren. Bijou, his beloved dog, was brought everywhere Darren went. Most recently, he added Autumn, a farm cat, to his furry family, spoiling her with a cat condo, complete with an ample scratcher. Being the good Ukrainian boy and Winnipegger, Darren loved a good deal. While shopping for bargains, he would spend more money on gas, a learned behaviour from his mom and dad. We hope this is not hereditary and skips a generation. Other leisure activities that Darren enjoyed included barbequing and listening to rock and roll music. Our memories of Darren will never be forgotten and will be cherished in our hearts. Until we meet again our beloved Dody. We love you forever and ever. Memorial service will be held Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. A private family viewing will be taking place. Interment will be Monday, November 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Friends Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a pet rescue shelter of your choice in Darren’s honour.