ERNEST LEWICKI

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ERNEST LEWICKI It is with great sadness that the family of Ernest Anthony Lewicki announces his passing on January 20, 2008, at the age of 87. Born in Winnipeg on April 28, 1920, Ernie was the son of Ukrainian pioneers who moved to Canada in 1904. While growing up in Winnipeg's North End, he completed high school while also studying music, and taking courses at the Winnipeg School of Art. A talented artist, he moved south and studied for several years at the Art Institute of Chicago, but cut his education short when he volunteered for duty in the Second World War. Serving with the Canadian army in England, Italy, Belgium and Germany, he left the forces with the rank of Lieutenant. After he and Stephanie married in 1950, he worked for and eventually purchased Wm. Gross Co., supplying church goods to the religious community. Several of his altar paintings can be found in churches in and around Winnipeg and his tabernacles in Alberta and other provinces. Later, he worked until retirement as a graphic artist at Ketchen Printing. Besides his family, Ernie's great love was singing. He began with organized choirs at the age of 16 and continued without stopping until the age of 85. He sang for many decades in the O. Koshetz Choir, including spells conducting the men's chorus and serving as assistant conductor. He especially enjoyed his tours with the choir through Europe, Ukraine and South America. Ernie was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage and was a life-long parishioner of St. Nicholas Church, where he was choir director for 15 years. Ernie was also a superb craftsman and after retirement in 1985 began building banduras in his basement workshop, and repairing musical instruments brought to him by friends. Although the dust drove Stephanie crazy, he left behind a legacy of beautiful instruments, each a handcrafted work of art. Ernie was a wonderful father and grandfather and was always happiest when his family was around him. We will miss him terribly. He is survived by his loving wife Stephanie and sons, Tom (Cindy); Bob (Krystina); and grandchildren, Evan, Stephen and Miranda. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Helen Babynec (Bernie). Enjoying excellent health until two years ago, Ernest led a happy, active life and will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know him. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation should be made in Ernie's memory to the O. Koshetz Choir, PO Box 3891, RPO Redwood, Winnipeg, MB, R2W 5H9; or to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2J 1X9. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2008