William (Bill) Gayda

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BILL and LEA GAYDA William (Bill) Gayda died suddenly on March 25, 2007, at home in Toronto, in his 90th year. Son of Peter Gayda and Nascia Glowacka, born March 5, 1918, in Cupar, Saskatchewan. Beloved husband of Lea (Mikalina Wawrykow). Father of Gary (Bonnie Riseley), Belleville, ON, and Alan, Toronto, ON, and grandfather of Melinda Gayda (Stuart Paterson) and Meredith Gayda (Colin Berman), Toronto, ON. Brother of Irene Wegner (Wally), Kamloops, BC, and predeceased by sisters Stella and Anne, and brother Edward. Warrant Officer Bill Gayda was a Second World War veteran of the RCAF. He had a 40-year career serving his country - as an airman in the RCAF, the Canadian Forces, and as a civilian employee of the Department of National Defence. He was happiest with his wife Lea at their home in Toronto, taking long daily walks in the park, driving and working on his cars, reading the daily newspaper, and stopping for friendly chats with neighbours. Bill loved the prairies, trains, the RCAF, curling, and all things Canadian. He is greatly missed by neighbours who describe him as a friendly and helpful gentlemen. Both Bill and Lea were active members of churches where they lived across Canada. Their vocal talents were appreciated in choirs, and by relatives receiving a birthday greeting duet. Lea (Lena) Gayda, born Mikalina Wawrykow, died on May 13, 2007, in Humber Finch Hospital, Toronto, in her 89th year. Daughter of Ivan and Ludwiga (Keryluk) Wawrykow. Devoted wife of Bill (William) Gayda, deceased. Loving mother of Gary and Alan. Cherished grandmother of Melinda Gayda (Stuart Paterson) and Meredith Gayda (Colin Berman). Survived by her brothers John and William and predeceased by her sister Mary and brothers Dan, Sam, and Alec. Lena was born on a farm near Gimli, Manitoba, on September 24, 1918. She married William Gayda on June 23, 1945. She enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, and entertaining friends and relatives in her home in Toronto. Described as a real lady by many nieces and nephews, she was a cheerfully supportive wife and mother who was always kind to others. Lea enjoyed a variety of jobs throughout her life, from salesclerking at Tergesen's in Gimli and Eaton's (Yorkdale) in Toronto, and working at RCAF jobs at 1 SD and the National Aerospace Institute at CFB Toronto. Her later years were slowed by Alzheimer's, but she remained aware of and close to her family until her death. A memorial mass and interment will be held for William and Lena Gayda of Toronto in Gimli on August 11, 2007. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. at Dnister Memorial Cemetery, north of Gimli on Dnister Road, followed by a memorial mass at 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Gimli. Donations to the Bill and Lea Gayda Foundation, in care of Melinda and Meredith Gayda.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2007