Martin CHALATURNYK

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CHALATURNYK: Martin Chalaturnyk (1920-2011) passed peacefully into eternal rest at the Assiniboine Centre at the age of 90 years on June 11, 2011. Martin was born in Gardenton, Manitoba where he received elementary and secondary education before entering Teacher Training in Winnipeg. Martin graduated in 1943 and moved to Angusville to set up his career of life-long dedication to educating children. It was there that Martin attained his greatest happiness, when he found his soul-mate in Emilie Luba. They were married in 1944 and the arrival of two beautiful girls (Debbie and Lecia) rounded out the family. Martin's brightest legacy lies in his having to share with them the same humor, patience and deep love for which he is so well known. As time went by, Martin developed a thirst for knowledge. He took summer- school courses at the University of Manitoba which would lead him to B.Ed and B.Sc. degrees. With a strong effort, distinguished marks and five summer-school sessions Martin achieved his goal. At heart Martin was an educator. Education was his passion and a profession. He embodied great personal strength of character, keen sense of kindness and a spectacular intelligence. He never let students forget that human spirit is a miracle to cherish and respect. His favourite quote was, "Children are the nation's greatest asset." Martin served the profession in many capacities. In Brandon, he was chosen to be a mathematics co-ordinator for the school division. He was also promoted to be a Vice-Principal and later became a principal of the Harrison High School. His teaching career spanned 34 years of which 29 years were spent in administration. In his younger years, Martin was involved with the local Division Association of Manitoba Teacher's Society. Martin enjoyed being involved in many aspects of community life. He helped and contributed to various charitable causes. For some charitable events he even helped to make perogies. For over twenty years Martin offered awards at Harrison, to students who displayed excellence in General Proficiency. Martin enjoyed sporting and social times. His favourite activity was pitching for baseball games. His swiftness and accuracy landed him a nick-name, 'Pepper Martin'. Martin founded the Angusville Cardinals Baseball Club. In 2004, Martin and the club members were inducted to the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. Martin loved to travel. He and Emilie took pleasure in spending part of fifteen winters in Florida. Golf, Contract Bridge and dancing were the top priorities. Martin had the greatest body rhythm and while on a cruise, he won the first prize for dancing. Martin was always successful in all he undertook. All Martin's efforts did not go unnoticed. Upon retirement (1979) Martin was surprised with a biggest prestigious award. The staff and students named the school theatre in his name. Throughout the retirement years countless students and parents walked up to him to express appreciation for the assistance he provided which made a difference. Martin enjoyed woodwork. He built a beautiful cabin at Clear Lake. It became a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. The grandchildren were very much a focus in Martin's life. They were the centre of his attention and he looked forward to time spent with them. Martin was a life-time member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The family wishes to acknowledge the care and comfort provided by the nursing staff and doctors. Martin will be sorely missed and fondly remembered with pride and love as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Martin was a man with great heart, brilliant mind and massive spirit. In keeping with Martin's own generosity memorial tributes may be made to the charity of choice. Martin was predeceased by his parents, Emanuel and Elizabeth and two siblings, John and Anne. Martin is survived by Emilie (his wife of 66 years), two daughters - Debbie McAllister and Lecia McQueen; four grandchildren, one great grandson and numerous nephews and nieces. The Funeral Ceremony will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 10:00 am. The Rev. Fr. Michael Skrumeda will officiate. A private Interment will follow in the Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 14, 2011