JOHN HNITECKY

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JOHN HNITECKY 1922 - 2007 Surrounded by his family, John Hnitecky passed away peacefully on January 31, 2007 at the Riverview Health Centre after a battle with cancer at the age of 85 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, wife Maria of 58 years; daughter Olga (Gary) Smith and their children, Andrew and Steven; daughter Rose (Lawrence) Richter; daughter Zena; daughter Ruby Luba (Gavin) Wilson and their children, Sonia and Daniel. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Valerie, his parents, brothers and sister of the Ukraine. Dad was born in the Ukraine on January 10, 1922. In his 20s, due to the circumstances of the times, he was forced to leave Ukraine and work in Germany. He then immigrated to Canada in 1949 in search of a better life. He fulfilled his two-year requirement of working on a sugar beet farm in Portage la Prairie before settling in Winnipeg in the Charleswood area. Dad worked with CN for 36 years before retiring in 1986. He also completed carpentry courses, built his home and grew much of the family's food by gardening and raising farm animals. Dad loved to read and discuss Ukrainian history, health and world news. Family dinners, his grandchildren and visiting with friends were great joys in his life. Dad always wanted the best for his family and by example; he tried to instill the values of hard work, honesty and integrity. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dad's caregivers and the wonderful staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre for their care and compassion. Prayers (Panahyda) will be said on Sunday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main St. with Rev. Fr. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if friends wish, donations in John's memory may be made to the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, or Riverview Health Centre. Dad, we love you and you will never be forgotten. VICHNAYA PAMYAT CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2007