ANDRIJ (ANDY) WITROWYCH

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ANDRIJ (ANDY) WITROWYCH February 12, 1924 - March 16, 2007 After a lengthy illness, Andrij passed away peacefully at his home with his devoted wife, Tonia, at his side, at the age of 83. Andrij, the youngest of four children was born in Derewnya, Lviv, Ukraine. His childhood was interrupted by the war which took him on a long distance journey from his homeland, which he longed for. In 1944, he met his wife Antonina in Germany. Together they shared life's journey when they married on May 26, 1946. They moved to Belgium in 1947 where they were blessed with their daughter Erena and son Pavlic. Andrij worked hard in the coal mines in Belgium. Looking to make a better life for his family, they immigrated to Canada in 1952, arriving in Red Lake, ON to work at the gold mines. In 1953, the family moved to Winnipeg where Andrij was employed by Westeel Rosco for 38 years. As a young man in Ukraine, Andrij had a great love for the Church and in Canada he became a devoted member of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. As well in Ukraine, Andrij loved to sing with a male chorus and in Canada his love for music continued where he sang with the parish choir, the Ukrainian Male Chorus under the direction of George Hnatiuk, the Dumka Choir and in 1988 he went on tour to Rome with the Millennium Choir. Andrij was predeceased by his young son Pavlic; parents, Wasyl and Teklia; brothers, Fedia and Ivan. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Antonina (Tonia); daughter Erena, and sister Ania. Andrij was a very quiet and generous man and will be greatly missed by all. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 21 at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Ave. with Fr. V. Bashutskyy and Fr. E. Hafichuk officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The family wishes to thank, from our hearts, Tuxedo Community Care Centre; Catherine Ritchie; RN Lauren; caregivers Alexi, Liz Kiazyk and all the caring staff at Victoria Hospital and Dr. Mayba. Last but not least, to Walter Antoniw for being there and your great support throughout the years. To Mama - thank you for all your love, devotion and care for Tato. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2007