WALTER KLYMKIW

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WALTER KLYMKIW We deeply regret to announce the passing of Walter Klymkiw on Monday, December 4, 2000. He was born in the village of Saranchuky, in western Ukraine, on October 3, 1926, to Hanya (nee Semenetz) and Hryhory Klymkiw. He arrived in Winnipeg in the spring of 1928. He attended primary, secondary and high school in Brooklands, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia in 1950 and received a teaching certificate from the University of Manitoba in 1951. Walter Klymkiw had three great passions: his family, his community and his music. In 1952, he married Mary Kopychansky. Two sons, Slawko and Paul, their wives, Christina, and Sylvia, along with their children, Adam Illya, Romanna, and Katrina, will sadly miss their father and Dido. As well, Walter leaves to mourn his sister Natalka Dobrowolski and husband Alex; brothers, Bohdan and Julian Klymkiw and their wives, Josephine and Joan, respectively. Many cousins, nephews, and nieces in Canada and Ukraine are saddened by his passing. Walter always felt that community involvement was important. He spent much time and energy in Winnipegs Ukrainian community where he provided a lifetime of leadership and labour to organizations like the Ukrainian National Federation (especially in St. Boniface) and The Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center. Professionally, he contributed to public service as well. As a teacher and Principal, he was recognized as one of the finest educators in the St. Vital School Division, where for 30 years he gave the children of Hastings and Glenwood schools a rich and meaningful education. Ukrainian music and culture were central to Walter Klymkiws life. He was president of the board of directors at the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center, "Oseredok", and was a partner in DK Attractions, a company that brought Ukrainian artists to Canada during the days of "Russification" of Ukraine and its culture. It was always his hope that the sharing of Ukrainian song dance, literature and visual arts with the larger world was a way of keeping the culture alive and dynamic. This hope began an important and vibrant relationship with the cultural and musical communities of the Ukraine that was profound and everlasting in Walter and Marys life. But Ukrainian music was Walter Klymkiws foremost passion. From childhood songs to his experience with the late Ukrainian composer, Olexander Koshetz and his wife Tetiana, and the late Dr. Pavlo Macenko, Walters fascination with Ukrainian music became a mainstay of his daily life. Walter began conducting the Ukrainian National Federation choir in 1951 and continued till a few weeks ago. The choir (now known as the Koshetz Choir) and its conductor have left a lasting mark on Ukrainian musical history. After thousands of performances, across Canada, and the continents, Walter felt that the four trips to Ukraine were the most important. They forged a bond between Ukrainians in Canada and in the Ukraine through their mutual love of music. Concerts with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, which premiered the works of Ukrainian composer, Evhen Stankovych, and a 25 year collaboration and friendship with Anatoly Avdievsky, the foremost choir conductor in the Ukraine (Veryovka) were significant highlights of his musical career. Walter felt that music would open relationships and understanding amongst all. Over the years he had the privilege of studying with some of the most accomplished musicians in his field: Roger Wagner, Robert Shaw, Norman Luboff, Elmer Isler and others. He enjoyed music and musicians and involved himself with important musical organizations such as the Winnipeg Singers. He received awards and distinctions for his work including The Shevchenko Medal from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Honorary Doctor of Canon Law from St. Andrews College, University of Manitoba, and probably the most fitting and highest tribute for his life work, the Taras Shevchenko medal of Ukraine presented to him in Kiev in 1992. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 7 at Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main St. Funeral service will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 8 also at the Cathedral. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Greg Klymkiw, Mark Klymkiw, Peter Dobrowolski, Andrew Dobrowolski, Michael Dobrowolski, Ron Taylor, Bill Byzuk, John Kozelko. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walters memory may be made to Walter Klymkiw Endowment Fund, U. of M. School of Music, Winnipeg R3T 2N2; Oseredok Foundation, 184 Alexander Ave. E. or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg R3E 0V9. The family wishes to thank the staff at Concordia Hospital, Dr. Terry Babick and Dr. Henry Krahn for their care, compassion, and support. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2000