NICHOLAS MAY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NICHOLAS MAY Peacefully, on Saturday, June 23, 2007, with his family at his side, Nicholas May passed away to be with his creator. His memory will be treasured and fondly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Jennie; his children, Gerry and wife Rhonda; Myron and wife Kerri; Donna and partner Jim Ross; Roman and wife Maria; his brother Michael and extended family in Germany. He also leaves to mourn his precious grandchildren, Timothy, Nicholas and Ashley; his cousins, Msgr. Bishop Andreii Sapelak S.D.B. and Fr. Vasyl Sapelak, both of Lviv, Ukraine, and many relatives in Ukraine and Germany. Nick will also be remembered by his sister-in-law Helen, her husband Bill Dandurand and their two sons, Chris and Kyle; along with many cousins and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents Fedor and Maria; his brothers, Ivan and Dmytro; his aunt Anna Danylec; his son-in-law Michael Fedorowich; his nephews, Edward May, Horst May and Michael May, all in Germany. Nick was born on May 9, 1926, in selo Ryzshkova Volya, povit, Jaroslaw, Western Ukraine. Nick faced many challenges throughout his life. The youngest of four brothers, Nick's childhood was traumatic. In 1929 at the age of three, his oldest brother became ill and died of pneumonia. Their mother was deeply heartbroken over the loss of Ivan and became ill. She died of tuberculosis in 1930. Their father who had worked very hard also died of pneumonia later that same year. The three brothers were suddenly left as orphans. The brothers were separated and placed with different families. Nick was left in the care of his godfather, Wasyl Watyka. Nick attended school and was involved in sports and theatre. During the Second World War, after his godfather was executed by the Gestapo, Nick, again without a family, as a young man, became involved in OUN youth organization. He later became a member of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). In May of 1948, Nick fled the Soviet persecution in Ukraine and walked to Bavaria where he came to the American Refugee camp in Mittenbaldt, Germany. From Germany, Nick was sponsored and came to Canada in 1950, where he lived with his aunt in Winnipeg. Nick became active in the local Ukrainian community, joining Dumka choir and Institute Prosvita. He met the love of his life and on June 28, 1958, married Jennie Stachurski. Together, they raised their four children. In 1982 Nick and Jennie embarked on their ultimate adventure and traveled to Europe. Nick joyfully reunited with his two brothers in Munich, Germany, after being apart for 32 years. Nick worked at Canada Post in various capacities for 30 years until his retirement in 1991. He viewed his job at the post office more as a duty to his country and was very proud to work there. Nick met many people at Canada Post. All his co-workers loved and respected him. Nick always regarded family to be most important, and he devoted his whole spirit to his family. An avid carpenter, Nick worked tirelessly to renovate and maintain his children's homes. He was happiest when his family was together at many functions. Nick's pride and joy, his grandchildren, were precious to him. Nick instilled in his children the values of faith, hard work and the responsibility to contribute to the community. It was very important to him to maintain a strong cultural and traditional Ukrainian heritage. Nick was an active and proud member of the Ukrainian War Veterans Association. Over the years, Nick also helped many Ukrainian immigrants that have come to Winnipeg to seek a better life. He has helped them in many ways, and they have all become proud Canadians who contribute greatly to our community. Nick was the consummate recycler and his greatest pleasure was to fix something or to build something from scrap. He loved gardening and tending to his flowers. He loved to dance and sing. He loved life and he loved his family despite tragedy and adversity. He possessed a deep faith in God, the higher power as he so often described. Nick had a happy and fulfilling life despite the many challenges. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Pallbearers will be: Jerry Pilipowicz, George Pilipowicz, Howard Zeaton, Guy Zeaton, Chris Dandurand, Kyle Dandurand, and Darek Marczuk. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Ukrainian War Veterans Association. The family would like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their caring and compassion during our difficult time. Prayers or Panachyda will be sung on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. The funeral will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 114 McGregor St., with interment to follow. Monsignor Buyachok to officiate. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Nick. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 26, 2007