IVAN PARKASEWYCH

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IVAN PARKASEWYCH With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved father and Dido, Ivan Parkasewych, on February 2, 2001, at Seven Oaks Hospital. One of seven children, Ivan was born on January 26, 1912 in the town of Sokolia, W. Ukraine. Orphaned at an early age, Ivan developed his spirit of independence which carried him throughout his life. While studying theology during his university years, he became active in Ukrainian politics and joined the underground organization OUN. In 1933, he was incarcerated as a political prisoner in Bereza, Kartuska. In 1939, he married Myroslava Lotocky and in 1940 their son George was born. Ivan taught school, becoming a principal and later an inspector for the Lvivska Oblast. During the years of 1941 to 44, Ivan worked at Povivtoviy Souz in Mostivska. In 1944, with the outbreak of the Second World War, his position and his fierce instinct for survival prompted him to bribe a train conductor, commandeer the train and escaped with 12 families to Czechoslovakia. From there, Ivan and his family travelled to Germany where their daughter Christina was born. In 1948, with the help of Maria Musick (aunt of Myroslava Parkasewych), the family settled in Canada. Ivans life was motivated by his profound love of his Ukrainian heritage. In Canada, he was active in organizations such as the League for Ukrainian Canadians, Institute Prosvita and UCC. In 1960, he pursued a new career selling insurance for St. Nicholas Mutual. He retired in 1995 at the age of 83. He was also a member of the Brotherhood of Ukrainian Catholics and a member of the church choir at St. Josephs Ukrainian Catholic Church. Ivan was predeceased by his wife Myroslava in 1988 and his six siblings in Ukraine. Left to mourn are his son George (Orysia) and grandson Andrei; daughter Christina Bahry (Leonard) and grandchildren, Evan and Alexis; the Musick family of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Lubomyra Cymbala; and extended family in Ukraine. Prayers will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Divine liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 9, at St. Josephs Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave., with Rev. B. Kyba, C.Ss.R. officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Messrs. Myron Musick, Phillip Musick, Gregory Musick, Terrence Musick, and grandsons Evan and Andrei. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Help Us Help the Children, in care of Children of Chernobyl Fund, 2118-A Bloor St. W., Suite 200, Toronto, ON M6S 1M8. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2001