WOLODYMYR (VLADIMIR) ILNYCKYJ

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WOLODYMYR (VLADIMIR) ILNYCKYJ Wolodymyr (Vladimir) Ilnyckyj, beloved husband of Sofia, died peacefully of cancer on September 27, 2000 in his 78th year at the St. Boniface Hospital, his family at his side. Vladimir was born December 20, 1922 in Sambir, Ukraine. He obtained his early education in Ukraine and studied at the Universities in Lviv and Munich. He departed his beloved Ukraine in 1944 and lived in refugee camps in Germany from 1945. Vladimir arrived in Canada in 1948 and settled in Winnipeg. As an immigrant he worked hard to establish himself and graduated from the University of Manitoba school of Social Work (MSW) in 1960 and was employed by the Manitoba Department of Health and Community Services, retiring in 1987. He was a visionary in the provision of services to children, families and communities, with a special love and respect for First Nations people. He was a believer in healing and restoration of dignity and a supporter of First Nations self-government. Vladimir was a parishioner of Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. He was a member of the Ukrainian Reading Association, "Prosvita", Plast-Pryjat, long time member of the North Winnipeg Credit Union and Advisory Board of Ukrainian Park Camp. He was also co-founder of the Manitoba Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services and was instrumental in promoting social work education and other programs in Ukraine. Vladimir deeply cherished family values. He was a loving husband of 52 years to Sofia; caring Tato to Andrew (Anne) of Calgary, Oleh (Roksolana) of Kyiv, Ukraine, Maria (Cal Buchanan) of El Dorado, Arkansas, Alexandra (Paul Reisdorf) Dido to Vera, Michael, Nina, Roma, Mark, Natalie, Andrea, Maria and Sofia; brother to Irena Hnatiw and Lida Mudra; vuyko to Chrystyna, Marta, Jurij and Daria; dear relative and mentor to many. He was predeceased by his parents, Mychajlo (1938) mother Evhenia (1992), daughter Wira (1977) and granddaughter Nadia (1994). Tato was enchanted by the beauty of the Canadian North, its lakes, forests and mostly its people and their open hearts and customs. He relished many outdoor activities, beekeeping, raising pigeons, cross country skiing and running. He spent many hours in solitude and thoughtful reflection. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 2 also at the Cathedral with Rev. M. Kouts and Rev. I. Mostivsky officiating. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. In Vladimirs memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Ukrainian Social Work Project, c/o Canadian Centre for Disability Studies, 56 The Promenade, Winnipeg, R3B 3H9 for social worker training and disability projects at Lviv Polytechnic in Ukraine. The family extends its gratitude to Dr. J. Moncek, the staff of St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit, pastoral care givers and everyone who supported us in the time of need. Please remember Vladimir in your thoughts and deeds. VICHNAYA PAMYAT MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2000