PETER HORBAY

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PETER HORBAY It is with deep sorrow that we wish to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Peter Horbay. Surrounded by his loving family, he fell asleep in the arms of the Lord on Wednesday evening, January 3, 2001 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Peter was born on October 16, 1910 in the village of Vilbiv, in the district of Sokal, in Western Ukraine. His father, Very Reverend Timofey Horbay, and mother Dobrodiyka Rosalia (nee Cherney) were founding pioneers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada. Peter immigrated to Canada with his mother and one sister in 1926 to be reunited with his father, who had preceded them to Canada in 1913. They had not seen each other in 13 years. In Canada, he attended public school in Alberta, and in 1929, he joined his uncle in Saskatchewan to apprentice in the blacksmithing trade. While in Saskatchewan, he was an active participant in CYMK (the Ukrainian Youth Organization), and acted in many leading roles in local cultural and theatrical productions. In 1933, he rejoined his parents in Alberta where Very Rev. Timofey and Dobr. Rosalia were assigned to a Ukrainian Orthodox parish, where he continued to distinguish himself as an actor in local productions. Also, during this time, he began his studies to serve as a cantor in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. In 1938, the Horbay family relocated to Roblin, Man. where Very Rev. Timofey began the Lords work of establishing and organizing a Ukrainian Orthodox parish. Peter began farming in the roblin area in 1941 and in 1942, he and Anna Huculak were married. In 1943, Peter and Anna established themselves at the Sideview Farm location in Roblin, Man., where they lovingly toiled for 43 years. Peter carefully observed Sundays as the Lords day of rest and important church feast days. He was known never to work on the land on any Sunday or feast days in accordance with his religious traditions. During his whole farming career, he dutifully prayed and asked for Gods help and blessings each spring at the beginning of planting. Peter firmly believed that his prayers were heard and answered because he was repeatedly blessed with the highest-grade crops in the area. He and his wife Anna were active leaders in the Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Roblin. Peter was a cantor for 60 years, the president of the Roblin parish for three terms, and the president of the Roblin parish district for two terms. For his hard work and unfailing dedication to his church he received official certificates of distinction awards from Metropolitan Ilarion, Bishop Boris, and Metropolitan Wasyly. Peter was an avid reader and a lifetime student of Ukrainian history and geography. He subscribed to many Ukrainian publications and newspapers, which he carefully read. His greatest pleasure was reading stories, based on Ukrainian history and legend, to his three young children. Peter was a man of high principle, and an exemplary member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. He loved his family and treasured his church above all. His goal was always to glorify God with his best vocal ability as a cantor. Peter always felt that it was important to sing not only with his voice but also with his heart and soul. He loved everything that was Ukrainian, and was respectful of others convictions. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of almost 59 years, Anna, and his children, son Gerald and wife Myrtle (nee Yellowaga) of Winnipeg with Peters grandchildren, Orysia (husband Jim Barnes), Reader Michael, and Lesya, and great-grandchild Jordan; son Taras and wife Angela (nee Laba) of Roblin with Peters grandchildren, Stefan and Larissa, and daughter Zenovia and husband Dr. Basil Zmiyiwsky of Thunder Bay with Peters grandchildren, Dr. Paul (wife Nadia), Dr. Mark, and Vera. Prayer service (Panachyda) will be held Monday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main St., Winnipeg. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan cathedral of the Holy trinity, 1175 Main Street, Winnipeg, with co-celebrants, Very Rev. Henry Lakusta and Rev. Alexander Harkavyi. Pallbearers are Peters four grandsons, Reader Michael Horbay, Stefan Horbay, Dr. Paul Zmiyiwsky, Dr. Mark Zmiyiwsky; Peters son-in-law Dr. Basil Zmiyiwsky; and Peters grand nephew Gregory Sydor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main Street, Winnipeg, Man., R2W 3S4. "Vichnaya Pamyat!" Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2001