PAUL WAWRYKO, M.D.

December 19, 1981 – December 8, 2023

With immeasurable sorrow and heartbreak, we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Paul Wawryko: son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend-that-was-family to many.

   

Paul's approach to life was one of continuous discovery, boundless adventure, and fiercely deep connections with loved ones. His days were filled with immense purpose, and he achieved more in nearly 42 years than many do in a lifetime: excelling in his career, receiving a University of Manitoba teaching award, completing the Boston and Chicago marathons, an Ironman competition in Chattanooga, traveling to at least 20 countries around the world, and giving back to others, all while prioritizing meaningful relationships with friends and family above all else.

 

Known as being deeply cerebral with a wit that snuck up on you, Paul was an introspective person who constantly challenged himself to grow intellectually – and did so with humility and genuine curiosity to experience as much as he could. He loved a good debate and deep conversations, impressive culinary experiences, local beer, and beautiful music – specifically Taylor Swift’s Evermore album. 

 

Paul had a brilliant mind and gifted his intelligence and tenacious curiosity to medicine as a pathologist [UM/06] specializing in Pulmonary Pathology. He worked at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface General Hospital and recently completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Like all others, his colleagues admired Paul for his thoughtfulness, humour, and altruism. 

 

His intelligence was evident from an early age: as a child, he’d spend his free time reading encyclopedias and writing out words he didn’t know to enhance his vocabulary, writing to medical journals to ask questions (they would often respond thinking he was a physician), and in grade eight, earned a four-year academic scholarship to St. John’s-Ravenscourt. There, with the support of his parents and family, he excelled academically and made lifelong friends- playing hockey and on a variety of sports teams. 

 

Paul always thrived as a multi-sport athlete, finding satisfaction and success in epic physical challenges and seemingly adding more sports with age. From hockey and soccer to cross-country skiing, fitness classes, hiking, and back-country camping to triathlons and marathons, Paul’s schedule and pace eclipsed the average. No matter the activity, he participated with wild commitment, vigor, and sportsmanship… while deeply appreciating the aprés celebrations as much as the sport itself. This is where some of his best memories were made.

 

Paul was the first to show up for others but always last to leave a party, with an introvert-extrovert personality that was as dichotomous as it was endearing: intensely brilliant and methodical, passionate about pop culture, the keenest eye for trends, and was as happy at the Eras Concert as he was hiking outside. 

 

Perhaps the most notable and uniquely-Paul characteristic was his legendary generosity. Always the first to buy a beer (or round… or bottle…), to help a stranger move, to listen with a non-judgmental ear, or to sit in the front row of a performance, Paul seemed to possess boundless energy for helping anyone in need. He also didn’t embarrass easily – a quality that helped him try new things without fear of failure. 

 

Paul loved being an uncle and adored his nieces and nephews. Uncle Paul reveled in celebrating their achievements and milestones, and always eagerly volunteered to be featured in TikTok dances despite always being slightly behind the beat. 

Paul’s close relationships with his sisters – Heather and Ashley – continued to deepen into adulthood, where they completed triathlons together and spent time at the family cabin in Riding Mountain National Park, Brandon, or on family vacations. Paul was protective and proud of his accomplished siblings and loved his family (including cousins, aunts, uncles, and parents) fiercely.

 

As a donor, Paul quietly but impactfully supported causes he was passionate about, particularly those related to the environment, animal welfare, and wildlife.

 

Paul’s happiness was perhaps best measured in the number of friends surrounding him, the miles logged on Strava, or fingers of a distinguished whiskey in an ornate glass. The best day would include all three.

 

Paul is survived by his loving family: his parents, Lindsay and Tony, his sisters, Ashley (Chris) and Heather (Scott), nieces, Payton and Kate, and nephews, Hudson and Luxton. As well as uncles, an aunt and cousins. He also leaves behind many (in reality, hundreds of) adoring friends.

 

A celebration of life is being planned for April 27, 2024 to allow for travel arrangements for friends and family. Please follow this link to RSVP. Time and further details will follow.

 

You can honour Paul in many ways, including donating to animal welfare causes close to his heart: The Winnipeg Humane Society and Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. 

 

Most importantly, as a tribute to a life well-lived, please honour Paul’s legacy by saying yes to plans with friends, taking spontaneous trips, staying for one more round, and putting a few more miles on the road.

 

We love you, Paul.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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