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GEORGE LUCHKA May 20, 1946 - June 24, 2014 It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved friend George Luchka, affectionately known to some as "Bungaloo". George was predeceased by his parents Petro and Teofila, his very close childhood friends Bill Matwichyna, 2000 and Andrew Ogaranko, 2012. He is survived by his godson, Daniel Matwichyna and will be greatly missed by many friends, especially his sailing buddies and members of the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club. George immigrated to Canada from Germany with his parents as a young child. He grew up in Winnipeg's North End and lived there his entire life. During his youth he attended King Edward Elementary School, St. John's High School, and received his post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba. George had a long career as a meat inspector with the Federal Government, and retired a few years ago. As a young boy he attended Ukrainian School at Chetalnya Prosvita and grew up a member of The Cathedral of Saints Vladimir and Olga. He had a beautiful voice and sang briefly in the Koschetz Choir of Winnipeg. A member of Plast Ukrainian Youth Organization, George attended camp at Ukrainian Park where he developed his love of the outdoors. During his younger years George was a strong athlete. He was a member of the Winnipeg Ski Club and a downhill ski instructor involved in search and rescue, a SCUBA diving instructor and avid sailor, venturing to the Caribbean during the winter months and even completing a trans-Atlantic crossing. George loved exploring Lake of the Woods on his sailboat "Choven" and competed regularly in the LOWISA. He was a popular companion and friend to many sailing mates and cottage owners around the lake. His boat sits launched and ready for another season at Northern Harbor. George was one big happy guy, with a permanent smile on his face and a joke on the tip of his tongue. He was gentle, kind-hearted and always willing to lend a helping hand. In the last few years George was confronted with failing health, which limited his ability to be as active as his heart desired. "Now you are at peace, our friend. Farewell - you left us far too soon." Service will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Thursday, July 10 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 4535 Main St. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of George's life at the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club, 275 Stradbrook St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ukrainian Cultural and Education Centre (Oseredok), 184 Alexander Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 0L6, The Cathedral of Saints Vladimir and Olga or a charity of your choice. CROPO 204-586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2014
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Sorry to have just read this about George. Wonderful memories when we were young. Lots of laughter and joy. Never heard ill words from him. Thank you for knowing you for a short while. - Posted by: Ihor Pona (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2023
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Met George through my cousin Andrew Ogarenko & immediately felt his warmth & compassion for people. Rest in peace George...say Hi to Andrew for us &tell him how much he,s missed - Posted by: Lorraine Kovachik (Friend) on: Jul 12, 2014
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Yurko was a wonderful co-worker and friend. He was a mentor to me and many other inspectors with CFIA. George was a proud member of MUM, and will be missed. Rest in peace. Vichnaya pamyat. - Posted by: Fred Lyseyko (Co-worker) on: Jul 08, 2014
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My husband, Andrew, and George were childhood friends and remained so throughout their entire lives. I met George in the early 1990's when he showed up at our dock in his sailboat. He gave our daughters their "sea legs" and was a part of so many of our family events. He was full of laughter and had a heart of gold. My daughters, Alexis and Lindsey, and my parents, Earl and Hope Gibbons, will miss him. Andrew and George are together again. - Posted by: Cheryl Ogaranko (friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
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Saddened by George's passing. We were friends at Plast and played on the St. Johns Tigers football team in high school. I haven't seen him since I left Winnipeg in the 70's but still have fond memories of him and the friends at Plast. Roman Diduch - Posted by: Roman Diduch (Friend from childhood.) on: Jul 07, 2014
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George was an inspector at a couple of different meat plants that I worked at. He always had a smile on his face and always managed to sanity and common sense into his work no matter how his hard employer tried to force him not to. I always considered him a friend and will miss his smile and genuine personality - Posted by: Andy Van Patter (Friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
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Yurko was a good family and personal friend. He taught my brother, Petro, how to ski and appreciate a good sound system. My Father brought him into the Canadian Food Inspection fold and he never forgot to stop by and visit whenever he could--just to show his appreciation. As youngsters, we spent our summers at "Dibrova" and then we all grew up but kept in touch. I can still hear his distinctive voice and laugh. A few weeks ago I happened to be passing by his parents' grave marker and wondered how Yurko was doing----I'm so sad that his vibrant life has ended but hope he is sailing somewhere. - Posted by: Marta Sabara (friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
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I knew George from his years at Northern Harbour, Lake of Woods, first sailing on friends boats and then Choven. Always friendly and smiling much like the picture above. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Ian Haimes (friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
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George and I came to Canada from Germany about the same time. We were two years old and attended the nun's nursery school in Point Douglas with all the other new arrivals to Canada. George remained in my life thru Ukrainian school and plast days and then after I got married he was my first born's godfather. He taught Daniel to ski, a skill that he has now passed on to his own children. He was kind and happy. Jokes were always ready and laughter came easy to my koom. May you rest in peace. We love you. You are in good hands now. Vichnaya pamyat. - Posted by: vera matwichyna (kooma) on: Jul 06, 2014
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Farewell "Yurko" - a knight-in-shining armour on many occasions, another St. John High school alumni & northender, a member of Plast and the Ukrainian community. Spent many a weekend at his parents home as a surrogate daughter (being spoiled by them) & having Yurko as an "older brother". Those were the days. Visited with him a few years ago (my Mother's backyard neighbour), talked of parents, retirement, and life in general. A pleasant time but all too brief. With fond memories....Maria (Marciniak) Gay - Posted by: Maria (friend of family) on: Jul 06, 2014
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my hero we have all have had people in our lives that you saw not nearly enough but remember every moment vividly. George was that person for me. George taught me to try everything twice but laugh while your doing it. bill and andy have a skich waiting for you. daniel - Posted by: daniel matwichyna (godson) on: Jul 06, 2014
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George was a quiet and good friend. Whenever we forgot our keys to my Mother's home we would go to George's house to wait til Mom got home (the houses separated by half a block). I visited George when he was sick. After he spent so much time in the hospital and his failing health he no longer answered his phone or came to the door. I was so sorry that he died alone. - Posted by: Sophie (George's Mother was my godmother and my family was a friend of his parents.) on: Jul 05, 2014
