ALEX GROSHAK

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ALEX GROSHAK It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Alex Groshak, on August 23, 2007, at Seven Oaks Hospital. Alex leaves to cherish his memory his four sons, Michael (Yvonne), Stanley (Anita), Steve (Kim) and Robert (Sue); sister Anne (Theran) Armstrong; and brother Stanley (Jean); his grandchildren, Jocelyn (Nelson), Laura, Alex, Alysha and Susan (Billy); his great-granddaughters, Jessica and Alexis; plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Alex was predeceased by his wife Olga in 2004; and his parents Mike and Angelica. Alex was born in Menzie, Manitoba, on October 15, 1924. He settled with his parents in Ontario, living in London and Kirkland Lake. He met our mother in Toronto and continued a fruitful life of 53 years until her passing. We all knew that he missed her terribly. He belonged to a great many organizations, but he valued his cultural community and served on the executives of many Ukrainian Organizations, especially the Ukrainian Canadian Veterans Br. 141, where he received a lifetime membership in 1990. Alex was also involved in the promotion of Ukrainian Music. While working for various record companies, he saw that Canadian Ukrainian music was being played at live weddings, barn dances and other social functions in Manitoba but was not available for people to listen to in the homes. From there he formed Regis Records and the first recording of Canadian Ukrainian music featuring Jim Gregerash presenting the Ukrainian Wedding March was born, which is still popular today. This label featured many local musicians of the day. In 1962 V Records was formed, featuring artists such as Mickey and Bunny, Tommy Buick, Peter Lamb, Peter Hnatiuk, Peter Picklyk, D-Drifters, Stan Kaskiw, Our Folks, Royal Polka Kings, Primrose Trio, Mike Domish, Anne Kraichey, Roy Mykytyshyn, The Squires featuring Neil Young and Female Beat. As business increased he purchased UK Records, bringing the Interlake Polka Kings and the Polka Drifters aboard. Alex continued to promote Ukrainian music, leading up Polka Warehouse on CKND and organizing and tsymblay contests in various cities. A lot of the work that Alex accomplished can be found in the Bohdan Medwisky Folklore at the University of Alberta. Gardening and fishing were his relaxations. Above all Alex valued family and was most content when his family was gathered around him. We will remember him for his strength in the face of adversity, his integrity, generosity, sense of humour, his genuine interest in other people and loving nature. He will always be there with us. In accordance with Alex's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service has already taken place with Rev. Canon Walter Klimchuk officiating. We would like to thank the workers of homecare, especially Norma; the staff of Unit 5 Medicine, 3rd Floor, Seven Oaks Hospital for all their caring. Adrienne and Dorothy for keeping Dad involved in various projects. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of one's choice. Goodbye my family, my life has passed. I loved you all to the very last, weep not for me but courage take, always continue to love each other, for my sake, for those you love don't go away. They walk beside you every day. Vichnaya Pam'Yat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2007