WASYL KOSTIUK

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WASYL KOSTIUK After a lengthy battle with cancer, Wasyl Kostiuk died December 13, 1999 at Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 85, beloved husband of Theresa. Wasyl was born in Hlibichyn-Lisniy, Kolomeya District of Western Ukraine. He was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Anastazia and siblings, Roman, Petro, Olena, Tetiana in Ukraine; brother Hryhory in England and sister-in-law Sophia Welhasch of Winnipeg. As a young man in Ukraine, Wasyl enjoyed studying, singing and directing plays and choirs. During the Second World War, Wasyl was a member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) defending Ukraine against Soviet and Nazi occupation. Post-war, he continued to work and his hope for an independent Ukraine. A historian, Wasyl wrote many articles published in Ukrainian journals documenting his and others wartime experiences. He instilled in his children the belief that all people have a right to freedom and dignity. Wasyl met his wife Theresa in Brussels, Belgium. They immigrated to Canada in 1951, where Wasyl worked as a labourer in the printing industry. Wasyl was a quiet, philosophical person with a quick wit and a kind heart. He loved his family dearly, and leaves to cherish his memory, wife Theresa; daughter Stephanie and her spouse David Miles; daughter Orysia and her spouse John Budyk and grandchildren, Greg Miles and Mathew and Leah Budyk. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law Wasyl Welhasch; nephew Stephan; nieces, Marika and Irka and their families, and nieces and nephews in Ukraine and England. The family wishes to thank friends and relatives for their warm support. As well, Wasyl made a special request that staff at Riverview Health Centre be thanked for all their kindness, comfort and good care. Prayers will be sung at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 16 (tonight) and divine liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 17, both to be held at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. with Rev. M. Kouts officiating. Pallbearers will be Andrij Bereznycky, Garry, Kenny and Nestor Budyk, Ihor Melnychuk and Harry Szkwarek. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (MB) or Riverview Health Centre. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 1999