VASYL’ (BILL) BALAN

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

• Vasyl and I worked together for many years and I was fortunate to be able to say in addition to being colleagues he was my friend. Vasyl was a credit to the Canadian public service because he feared not to speak truth to power. He was a tower of strength for his church and the Ukrainian Canadian community. Most importantly he was a wonderful, generous and loyal man who loved his family dearly. I will miss him so very much. - Posted by: Orest Kruhlak (Friend, Colleague ) on: Apr 26, 2022

• Irka, My deepest condolences to you and the family on the loss of Bill. Bill and I go back many years as colleagues working for the Federal government. His profound commitment to the well being of minorities and his unyielding support of multiculturalism, has made Winnipeg the envy of every Canadian city. Through him I was exposed to the richness of the Ukrainian culture and over the years we have made lifelong friends. Bill was very respected not only by his peers, but also by our decision makers provincially and federally. A true and trusted public servant that we, his colleagues in the Manitoba Federal Council will always remember. May He Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Erminio Caligiuri (Friend and collegue) on: Mar 27, 2022

• Sympathies to the family and prayers for Bill. He was a great man and leader ... and yes, in that order. Worked with/for him for only a short time at UWinnipeg, but it was a great time. RIP Mr Balan - Posted by: Mike Langedock (Co worker) on: Mar 26, 2022

• I am very sorry to learn of Bill's death. Please accept my sincere condolences. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Professor Lubomyr Luciuk (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2022

• Irka, Andrij, Anastasia & Maksym, We are so saddened by your loss and feel your heartache. May fond memories of your loving husband, father and dido give you comfort! Bill was well respected for his active involvement in the community, and his positive feedback was much appreciated. We ask God to remember you all during this difficult time and to grant Vasyl eternal life in His Heavenly Home. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Vasyl’s memory be eternal. Вічна йому пам’ять! With our sincerest sympathy, love and prayers, Sylvia Todaschuk, Rosemarie & John, Charlene & Andrij, Peter & Tatiana & Brian - Posted by: Sylvia Todaschuk, Rosemarie & John, Charlene & Andrij & Family (Friends) on: Mar 25, 2022

• Just seeing his picture above sparks such fond memories of a wonderful and generous man. I had the privilege of working with him at the very start of my career and I do attribute the successes I achieved to the mentorship and example of excellence that he was to me. An outstanding human, a fondly remembered friend, and a blessing to the world with all he did. And that smile, just look at it. What a beautiful soul. - Posted by: Shilo McClean (Colleague) on: Mar 24, 2022

• I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. His family and the community will be poorer because of it, however we must be thankful for a productive and contributing life well-lived. Sincere condolences to Irka and family. I trust your faith and a rich treasury of memories shall help sustain you in your bereavement and future years. May his soul find a well-deserved repose, and his memory be forever among us. Vichnaya Pamyat. - Posted by: Daniel M Huzyk (acquaintance) on: Mar 23, 2022

• Our deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man, who touched so many lives in many positive and profound ways. Vasyl was a very loyal and dear friend of my husband Andrij Bunn, and on his passing last year, we will never forget the kindness both Irka and Vasyl showed to our family. Vasyl was the kind of man who would help anyone in need, a selfless and loyal friend. His contributions to the Ukrainian community are immense, and the world is better for him being in it. His legacy will never be forgotten. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Posted by: Marilyn and Marika Bunn (Friends ) on: Mar 23, 2022

• Dear Irka Sadly I received the news of Bill’s death from my SecState email hotline. I have such fond memories of our early days at SecState…we began our careers there around the same time. We worked hard but fun was always on the agenda,….dept. retreats, pot luck lunches, wine tasting evenings, and much creative thinking!!! I am away from Wpg but please know my heart and prayers are with you during these next sad days as you honour Vasyl for the unique and caring person he was. Phyllis Gallimore🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 - Posted by: Phyllis Gallimore (Friend/Co-worker) on: Mar 23, 2022

• We all lost a great friend - talented and always helpful, humble and sincere. Irka and children, may you take solace in the assurance Bill is with Our Father in Heaven. My condolences. - Posted by: Dr Rey D Pagtakhan (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2022

• Irka, We remember Bill so well from the years in the 80s and 90s, when he assisted many ethnocultural organizations through his work in Multiculturalism. My parents Babe and Leible Hershfield were so fond of both of you, and I remember your visit to their home so many years ago with your new baby. Bill was a delightful and generous person, and we will remember him. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Susan and Myron Turner (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2022

• Dear Irka and Andrij, we are mourning with you the passing of a wonderful man, friend, mentor and inspiration. It has been a privilege to know him, to spend time with him, and to admire his many qualities. A unique and gifted human, with a knack for humour, joy and insightful reflection. May his memory be a blessing! - Posted by: Peter Brandon (Long-time friend) on: Mar 21, 2022

• Dear Irka, Andrij and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as we have recently learned of Bill’s passing. I have many fond memories of Bill during our shared years at Canadian Heritage & Parks Canada, the management of the 1999 Pan Am Games and frequent forays on golf courses. Bill was a great person to work with, innovative and a true ‘people person’. May your many good memories sustain you at this difficult time. Doug Kerfoot & family - Posted by: Doug Kerfoot (Co-worker, Canadian Heritage) on: Mar 20, 2022

• I knew Bill since the 70th. Had good relationships with him, My Condolences to family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Alex Moodrey (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2022

• To Irka and family so sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of Bill and remember the time we were able to show you the mountains. We remember Bill as the best organizer and always had such great ideas to keep the Ukrainian community strong. - Posted by: Mike and Alexandra Kushliak (Friend ) on: Mar 20, 2022

• Sincere condolences to Irka, Andrij, Diana and your extended families. Vasyl's love of Ukrainian life was shared with his wife and son. Whoever met him felt welcomed and appreciated for their conversation. A dedicated person in many walks of life. He will always be remembered by his kindness, laughter and assisting those in need. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Posted by: Joanne Sarakula (Cousin) on: Mar 20, 2022

• Irka, my condolences. I had not see Bill for quite a few years but memories of him and times with him (and you) are very much alive. What a talented man he was. Peace to him, and blessings to you. - Posted by: Ralph Friesen (Friend) on: Mar 19, 2022

• Rest in Peace, Vasyl'. Vichnaya Pamyat'. Luda & Alex - Posted by: Luda Kozlova (Friend) on: Mar 19, 2022

• My condolences to you Irka on your loss. Last I spoke to Vasyl was after he had a heart attack in early 2000 I believe. He was a good man. May he rest in peace. George Hekawchuk (our parents knew each other well) - Posted by: GEORGE HEKAWCHUK (Family friend) on: Mar 19, 2022