VICTOR J. STECIUK

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VICTOR J. STECIUK It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband, father and dedo on Saturday, January 4, 2003. Vic was born on February 29, 1940 in Melnice, MB. His early years growing up were spent in Winnipeg Beach where he attended school. He graduated from St. Johns High School in Winnipeg and continued his education at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Engineering, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and later his Masters. Vic was employed at Manitoba Hydro for 40 years, where he held various management positions. His knowledge and expertise in his field took him across Canada, the United States, India, the Republic of Georgia and Ukraine, the homeland of his parents. These were experiences he truly treasured. Vic retired as Chief Engineer of Manitoba Hydro on December 31, 2001. Vic was very active outside of work and served on numerous committees including The Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Winnipeg, and The Canadian Red Cross Society, where he recently received a special Service and Volunteer Recognition Award. Vic was a master with a video camera, taping countless showers, christenings and weddings and taking great pride in presenting these videos to the families with the end result being beautiful and personal. He had been the "official" videographer for the Rossdale Ukrainian Dance School and Vitretz for the last 20 years, where he generously gave of his time taping every recital and performance. He will surely be missed by the Rossdale dancers and executive both past and present. Vic was a true lover of nature. The birds in their yard were always well fed and his garden and plants never neglected. He took pride in sharing the fruits of his labour from his mini orchard with his family and friends. His favourite time of the year was Christmas when he spent endless hours on his outdoor decorations and display of lights. Vic found true love with his best friend, his wife Vienna, who shared with him his zest for life. Together they did everything from working to travelling the world; they were inseparable. Nothing meant more to him than spending time with his four grandchildren, Kristian and Benjamin (Skromeda) and T.C. and Ryland Victor (Nowell) whom he loved and cherished. Whether it was cutting grass on the John Deere with two extra passengers, watching cartoons, helping with Math homework, building tents in the basement or changing diapers, he did it all. He was a proud and dedicated father to Candace (Skromeda) and Richard (Nowell) and their spouses, David and Sue. Victor also leaves to cherish his memory his two very special sisters, Margaret Waytowich and Sonia Smith. He was predeceased by his father John and mother Vera, father-in-law Joseph Petaski, brothers-in-law, Ernie Waytowich and Donald Smith. He touched the lives of everyone he knew including his mother-in-law Frances Petaski (friend John), brother-in-law Joe Petaski and his wife Susan, his sister-in-law Joan deGroot and her husband William and his nieces and nephews Donny (Lisa) Smith, Karen Smith (friend Milton), Jamie Waytowich (friend Carole), William (Marilena) deGroot, Dr. Grant deGroot, Michelle deGroot, Andrea (Dave) Carpenter, Amanda (Ian) Palsson and Joey Petaski (friend Shelley). Also great-nephews Jared, Kirk and Addison Smith. Vic was a unique man who had a heart of gold, not only where his family was involved, but for friends and neighbours alike. He has truly touched the lives of many people. The kind of person he was is reflected in the many special relationships he had with his friends and everyone he met. Sincere thanks to First Responders Greg Bobrowich, Jason and Wendy, Dr. Schroeder and to our family and friends who have been so kind and supportive during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vics name to the Canadian Red Cross Society Manitoba Region at 1111 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 0S8. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, January 8, 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 489 Winterton (Watt and Munroe) with Very Rev. Fr. Michael Winn officiating. Interment at Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery on Rossdale Road in St. Andrews. Pallbearers will be Randy Skromeda, Eric Brown, Vics godson Jared Smith, nephews, William deGroot, Dr. Grant deGroot and Joey Petaski. Honorary pallbearers will be Vics nephews Jamie Waytowich and Donny Smith, great-nephew Kirk Smith, brothers-in-law Joey Petaski and Dr. William deGroot and dear friends Ray Waytowich and Bill Skromeda. As well, all of Vics close friends, please consider yourselves his very special honorary pallbearers. Though you cant see me or touch me, Ill be near, and if you listen with your heart, youll hear, All of my love around you soft and clear. "Vichnaya Pamyat" CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2003