Herb Tacholsky

Herb Tacholsky, age 71, passed away with his family by his side Monday, February 18, 2019 at the Meadows, Swift Current, SK. Herbert “Herb” Arnold Tacholsky was born November 4, 1947 to Rudolph & Helen Tacholsky in Gravelbourg, SK. He spent his early years in Kelstern, SK where his dad ran a business out of his shop. Herb accepted Christ as his personal Saviour at an early age and always kept his faith, which was evident through his daily attitude and in the way he lived. Herb started out at the school in Kelstern and when the school closed, his family moved to Swift Current so he could go to school there. They bought a farm near Kelstern and farmed in the summer and lived in Swift Current in the winter.

After grade twelve, Herb had various jobs trucking with his uncle and occasionally with his brother, Les. Herb eventually built a house on the farm and farmed with his brother, Linden, and his dad for several years. He met his future wife, Sandra Krahn, and they were married in July of 1977. They continued to farm near Kelstern as well as back and forth from Blumenhof.  Their son, Gordon, was born in March of 1979 and daughter, Lindsay, in December of 1981. They enjoyed many family vacations. Herb & Sandra were actively involved in the Kelstern Church, leading Awana and serving on the board, amongst other things. Herb was also an accomplished violinist and played in an orchestra that travelled to Expo 67 in Montreal.

Herb was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his mid-thirties, which changed his life forever. It didn't take long for his body to start deteriorating, making his farming duties and daily life quite difficult. The hard decision to quit farming came in 1992, when Herb & Sandra had an auction sale and sold all of the farm equipment.  The following year, in 1993, the family moved to Swift Current. Herb was unable to work and needed a cane or walker to walk, so Sandra took over and got a job at Safeway. Herb's health declined to the point where he needed a power wheelchair to get around and a house built that was wheelchair accessible. Herb tried so many things to help his MS and improve his quality of life but sadly, nothing seemed to help.

After fighting so hard to stay at home and two temporary stays at the Palliser, it was time for him to make long-term care his permanent home in 2014. Herb tried his very best to remain positive and was such an encouragement to so many people, including the staff at the Palliser and the Meadows. People would go to visit Herb and instead of encouraging him, they would leave more encouraged than when they got there. Even though daily life was never easy, struggling with pain every day, he never complained and was definitely a favourite of the wonderful caregivers that looked after him at the Meadows.

Herb was blessed with eight grandchildren who were the light of his life and such a blessing to him. Every time they visited, they got rides on grandpa's wheelchair. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Meadows for the fantastic care that Herb received during his time there.

Herb was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph & Helen Tacholsky; his brothers, Raymond and Leslie Tacholsky; his parents-in-law, Jacob & Tena Krahn; and by several aunts and uncles. Herb is survived by his loving wife of forty-one years, Sandra Tacholsky; his son, Gordon (Cherise) Tacholsky; his daughter, Lindsay (Chris) Ross; his grandchildren, Brooke, Lauren, and Cole Ross, Shalaye, Raymond, Janessa, Myranda, and Jackson Tacholsky; his brother, Linden (Brenda) Tacholsky; his nieces, Mardell Tacholsky, Sheila (Darwin) Menke, Renee (Shawn) Zakaluzny, and Vanessa (Jay) Mook; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Clarence), Allen (Bonita), Alice (Arnold), and Randall (Faith); and by his nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life for Herb Tacholsky was held on Saturday, February 23, 201 at 1:30 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Russ Siemens, with Leanne McConnell and Sheila Braun serving as musicians. Special music was brought by Leanne McConnell, Barb Doerksen, and Kerry Braun, who sang “Sounds Like Home to Me,” and by Messengers of Hope, who sang “What a Day That Will Be.”  Tributes were given by Lindsay Ross, Gordon Tacholsky, and Pastor Bob on behalf of Linden Tacholsky. The obituary was read by Alice Elias. The ushers in the church were John Friesen, Ginger Peters, Lou Thiessen, and Richard Weetman. The Interment Service was held following the Funeral Service from Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Gordon Tacholsky, Chris Ross, Ken Kruger, Helmut Ohlmann, Todd Klaassen, and Jerry Funk serving as Casket Bearers.

In memory of Herb Tacholsky, donations made to the Hospital Chaplaincy Program care of Bridgeway Community Church would be appreciated by the family.

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