Orest Bohdan Aponiuk

Orest Bohdan Aponiuk passed away peacefully surrounded by love on August 11, 2025. He was born in Vita, MB, on February 8, 1935, to Very Reverend Wasyl and Dobrodika Anna (Brylewska). Orest spent his childhood in many small towns in Saskatchewan and Manitoba where his father served as a priest in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Orest attended teacher’s college in Saskatoon and began his teaching career at Budda school near Wakaw, SK. After teaching for a number of years, he attended the University of Saskatchewan where he earned his B.A. and B.Ed degrees and met his wife June Ostapovitch at the Peter Mohyla Institute. Following university, Orest was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy as full Lieutenant. June and Orest were married on August 12, 1961, and moved to Esquimalt, BC. Following the birth of their daughter, Diana, Orest was transferred to Calgary, AB where their daughter, Larisa, was born. In 1964, when he left the Navy, the family moved to Leduc, AB, where he happily remained until the last 10 months of his life (no more moves). While in Leduc, Orest continued his teaching career in Calmar & Leduc eventually becoming Principal of Leduc Composite High School. In addition to his career, he was active in the community of Leduc and active in his professional association. Orest enjoyed sports (participating and watching), music, gardening, cooking, and pontificating on current events. He was endlessly curious and loved to talk to any and everyone.

Orest is survived by his loving wife June, daughters Diana and Larisa (Wayne Lidkea), grandchildren Natasha (Liam Ellery) and Viktor (Paula Sazo); and, sister Natalia Aponiuk, Ph.D. Orest was thrilled to be a grandfather and took a great interest in his grandchildren and their partners. Their discussions were very lively and illuminating.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no service as per Orest’s wishes. In celebration of Orest’s life, plant a flower (or a potato), cook an exotic meal (with garlic) and live your life unapologetically and with no regrets. If so desired, donations in Orest’s memory can be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, the Good Samaritan Society or the charity of your choice.

So long BOSS.