MICHAEL SEMEGEN

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MICHAEL SEMEGEN August 6, 1923 - February 17, 2005 Peacefully, with his family at his side, Michael Semegen passed away at the Concordia Hospital at the age of 81. Michael was born in the village of Lypytsia Dolishna, Western Ukraine. During the Second World War he fled his homeland with the First Ukrainian Division, Ukrainian National Army moving through many countries in Europe and eventually coming to England. There, he and Anna met and married in 1949. In 1953 they immigrated to Canada, settled in Winnipeg and began to build a new life for themselves. Michael immediately found work as a machinist at McDonald Brothers (later known as Bristol Aerospace) where he worked for 35 years until his retirement in September of 1988. Michael was a loving, caring and devoted husband and father, who encouraged his family to be involved in the Ukrainian educational, cultural and religious community. In keeping with his spiritual beliefs, he was a very committed member of Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. He was also a member of the Institute Prosvita and SUM (Ukrainian Youth Association). Family meant everything to Michael. He specially enjoyed family gatherings and continually expressed how happy and proud he was. Dad was always there to help and support everyone in whatever way he could, regardless of the matter. His friendship and easy going nature will be missed by many. Michael cherished every moment with his grandchildren. He and Baba often went on excursions with them and hosted many sleepovers. Dido will always be remembered for his gentle ways, whether tinkering in his garage, playing hockey and soccer, or going to the park. Dido enjoyed every kind of activity with his grandchildren. Michael spent much of his free time in parks and the outdoors and loved to travel. He and his family enjoyed many cross-Canada vacations. During his retirement, he and Anna travelled to their homeland Ukraine on two occasions and visited Hawaii several times. Michael leaves to mourn his wife Anna; his daughter Marijka and son-in-law Garth Collier; son Myron and daughter-in-law Wendy (Marcischuk) and five grandchildren, Michael, Marc, Alexander, Laryssa and Adam. In Ukraine, he is survived by his brother Myron and family, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Anna, and his sister Maryna. Prayers will be sung at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. Divine liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, also at the Cathedral. Fr. M. Kouts officiating. Interment at All Saints Cemetery, 4535 Main St., West St. Paul. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Michael Gembarsky, Mr. Joe Dutchak, and members of the Ukrainian Combatants. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Michael's memory to Holy Family Nursing Home, 165 Aberdeen Avenue, Winnipeg or Sts. Vladimir and Olga Chapel Restoration Fund, 115 McGregor Street, Winnipeg. The family wishes to thank Holy Family Nursing Home, especially staff in the St. Francis unit, where Michael resided for the past two years; also Dr. Babick and the staff at Concordia Hospital for their kind care and compassion. VICHNAYA PAMYAT - REST IN PEACE, DIDO KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2005