RIGHT REVEREND PROTOPRESBYTER DMYTRO LUCHAK

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RIGHT REVEREND PROTOPRESBYTER DMYTRO LUCHAK Right Reverend Protopresbyter Dmytro Luchak fell asleep in the Lord on December 5, 2010, in Winnipeg surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Dobrodiyka Yustena (Jane), daughter Orysia (Myron Tarasiuk), son Taras (Karen) and grandchildren Andriana, Nicholas and Markian. Dmytro was predeceased by his parents Peter and Kataryna (Erichuk). He is survived by sister Marie Davis, and brothers George (Elsie), Steve, Peter and Bill (Mary-Anne). He was predeceased by his siblings Helen, Doris, Alec and John. He leaves to mourn many nieces and nephews together with their families. Rev. Dmytro's grandparents arrived in Canada in 1903 from the province of Bukovyna in Western Ukraine. The family settled in north eastern Alberta in the farming community of Hamlin where Rev. Dmytro was born in 1923. He grew up in a deeply religious home, and was particularly influenced by the faith of his grandmother Anastasia. Similar to the plight of many rural families, they experienced difficult times in the great depression, but managed to get by with hard work and determination. The family moved to Vernon, British Columbia in 1942 where they set up a family forestry and sawmill operation. In fact, Rev. Dmytro became a licensed timber grader. He then travelled to Edmonton to become educated as a school teacher. However, this was cut short by his service in the Canadian Armed Forces where he remained until demobilization. With the influence of his wartime experience he felt the call to enroll in theology at St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg from which he graduated as part of the first class of graduates with a Licentiate in Theology. In later years, he completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg and was granted a Bachelor of Theology from St. Andrew's College. Rev. Dmytro married Jane Romaniuk in 1952, and was ordained into the priesthood of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada that same year. Rev. Dmytro and Dobrodiyka Jane served the Church as a dynamic team for their entire married lives of 58 years. They worked together at parishes in Willingdon, Alberta, Oshawa, Ontario, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (Edmonton) and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg. In 1970, Rev. Dmytro was elected to the post of Chairman of the Presidium of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada where he served for ten years. He also served as Principal of St. Andrew's College (University of Manitoba) in 1987. Rev. Dmytro received a number of awards, including the title of Right Reverend and also a distinguished service award from St. Andrew's College. Rev. Dmytro was a long time member of numerous organizations, among these the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League, the Order of St. Andrew, and acted as Chaplain of Ukrainian Legion Branch 141. Rev. Dmytro especially enjoyed working with young people across Canada in his pastoral capacity. He loved singing and also dabbled in oil painting, stained glass work and carpentry. He had a passion for gardening and outdoor activities including camping adventures. Rev. Dmytro enjoyed his special times with his grandchildren, accompanying them to Sadochok, driving them to assorted lessons or attending their numerous performances and special events. One of Rev. Dmytro's most outstanding traits was his ability to meet and befriend anyone that he came into contact with which resulted in many interesting encounters in his travels throughout the world. He has earned his rest and eternal reward having given his lifetime to service of his fellow man. A thank you is extended to the staff of Seven Oaks General Hospital and Grace Hospital. Funeral Rite will be sung at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 9 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, 1175 Main Street in Winnipeg. The service will be led by His Eminence Metropolitan Yurij, co-celebrated by the Winnipeg and District Clergy. Divine Liturgy and conclusion of Funeral Rite will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11 at St. John's Cathedral, 10611-110 Ave., Edmonton, officiated by His Grace Bishop Ilarion, co-celebrated by the Edmonton and District Clergy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rev. Dmytro's memory to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Foundation, St. Andrew's College, C.N.I.B. or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Memory Eternal. Vichnaya Pamyat. Cropo Funeral Chapel (Winnipeg) 204-586-8044 Park Memorial Funeral Home (Edmonton) 780-426-0050

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2010