OREST LAZARUK

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OREST LAZARUK October 20, 1932 February 12, 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, dzidzi and friend Orest Lazaruk on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at St. Boniface Hospital. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife Wanda, son Lester (Verna), daughters, Lynnell (Dwight Powell), Lorilee (Ken MacDonald), Kirsten (Brent Griffiths) and Kelli (fiancé Peter Klotz). He is also mourned by his grandchildren, Nolan and Rayna Powell, whom he adored. He is survived by brother-in-law Metro Gawiuk. He will be sadly missed by the extended Lazaruk and Hachkowski families and his many, many dear friends. The Sawicz family will miss him at family gatherings. Orest was predeceased by his parents Steve and Mary, first wife Roxie and sister Helen (Gawiuk). Orest was born in Shoal Lake, MB on October 20, 1932. He often spoke of his wonderful memories growing up in Oakburn. He was an excellent athlete, excelling in baseball and hockey and was a prospect of the New York Rangers in 1951. Instead, he chose the teaching profession, getting his certificate from Provincial Normal School in Winnipeg in 1952 before embarking on a 37-year career that took him from Mountain Road to Lund, Culross, Rossdale and Winnipeg. He attended summer school to complete his B.A. and B.Ed. During his tenure with the former East Kildonan and River East School Division, he taught at Munroe Junior, and Neil Campbell. He became principal of Lord Wolseley School, and Robert Andrews. He retired in 1989. Orest served on the divisional and provincial executive of the Manitoba Teacher's Society and the River East Principals and Vice-Principal's Association. Orest was especially proud of his Ukrainian heritage. He served on the executive of the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club, Canadian Ukrainian Congress, the Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg, Mayor of Kiev Pavilion during Folklorama. He was active within the Holy Eucharist parish serving on the Church executive and the Knights of Columbus. Orest was proud to be a member of the Advisory Board of the Holy Family Nursing Home. He also served on the Appeal Board of Legal Aid of Manitoba. Orest was a people person. He loved to entertain relatives and friends, firing up the barbecue or delighting us with his culinary expertise. In his latter years, Orest could be found either walking at the Seven Oaks Wellness Centre, helping out with the Holy Eucharist perogy gang or meeting friends for coffee. Orest was an avid curler, playing in a Provincial Masters Championship and many Provincial Teachers' Bonspiels. He also played for and coached elite fast pitch softball teams in the late 1950s and 1960s. He especially enjoyed fishing and mushroom-picking with his buddy Metro. He was a fan of Winnipeg sports teams especially the Jets. The family would like to express sincere and deep gratitude to the E-M-T staff that brought Orest to the St. Boniface Hospital and to Dr. Jillian Horton and the staff at the E5 ward for their care, help, kindness and support in making Orest's last few days as comfortable and dignified as possible. An Order of Burial will be served on Friday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Eucharist Church at the corner of Watt Street and Munroe Avenue with Fr. Michael Winn officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations may be made in Orest's memory to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Vichnaya Pam'yat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2008