JOHN FIGUS

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JOHN FIGUS May 17, 1922 - January 21, 2007 It is with sadness that we announce the death of John Figus of the Vita Hospital, Vita, MB on January 21, 2007 at the age of 84 years. John was predeceased by his parents, Antin in 1968 and Anna Figus (nee Cesmystruk) in 1983; sisters, Anastasia (Nellie), Guz (Alexander), Mary (Joseph) Muzyka and Olga (Harry) Paciorka. He is survived by one sister Anne Ralko; nephews, Robert Bohdan Muzyka (RoseMarie) of Winnipeg and their children, daughter Tanya Stepic (Duane) their three sons, Milan, Luke and Vlad, Orest (Nettie) Paciorka of Vita and their sons, Gregory and Michael; nieces, Audrey Smith of Toronto, ON, MaryAnn Guz (Dr. Robert Chalaturnyk) of Winnipeg and many great-nieces and nephews. The first pioneer priest Fr. Peter Samets at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Vita, MB baptized John, June 5, 1922. He attended the Shewchenko School in Vita, was active in Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (SUMK) playing in the orchestra, and took an active role in Ukrainian dance performances. John was an active member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian National Home in Vita. He worked all his life on the family farm and took care of his parents as they aged. In 2006 he did a honourable deed by sponsoring a book Ukrainian Church during the time of destruction in the 17th century written by Professor Ivan Ohienko (Metropolitan Ilarion) and published by Metropolitan Ilarion (Ohienko) Foundation. The book was printed in Kiyv, Ukraine and distributed to all universities, colleges and libraries in all 25 provinces (oblasti) of Ukraine. At the end of the book, five pages were dedicated to the sponsor. The sponsor dedicated the book to the early settlers in Shewchenko / Vita, MB from 1896 that were organizing and building churches, schools and the Ukrainian National Home and involved in the Canadian way of life. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m. at Vita Funeral Homes Vita Chapel Vita, MB. Funeral service will take place at The Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Vita, MB on Thursday, January 25 at 10:30 a.m. with The Very Rev. Fr. Miron Pozniak presiding. Interment will follow the service in the parish cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations in John's memory may be made to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 69, Vita, MB R0A 2K0. VITA FUNERAL HOMES VITA CHAPEL IN CARE OF ARRANGEMENTS

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2007