Andrij Ukrainec

Peacefully, after a brief illness, Andrij passed away on March 9, 2011 at St Joseph's Hospital Toronto. He was 96. He was predeceased by his wife Halia. He leaves to mourn his son, Andrew, daughter-in-law Nadia and grandson Andrew. Born in Smorshky, Khmelnitsky Oblast, Ukraine on Dec 1, 1914, his early childhood was happy. This was to change. Andrij bore witness to the devastation Ukraine suffered under the Soviet revolution and Holodomor, paying the ultimate price of losing his entire family at a young age. The eruption of WWII set a path for Andrij not under his control. Conscripted into the army, Andrij found himself captured early in WWII as a German POW. His steadfast calm nature, his self-reliance and his will to live helped him survive the war. His path forward was into the UN refugee camps and the freedom the 'west' offered. Andrij took a work contract to Canada where he found peace and the opportunity to build a life, finally settling in Hamilton where he worked for Dominion Glass until retirement. He married Anna Helen (nee Tschytschykalo) and they started a family. Andrij was a devoted member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox church, active in the construction of the church. He taught geography and history at William Sarchuk Ukrainian School. He was an active supporter of Ukrainian Canadian Social Services. His iron will and self-reliance allowed him to live independently, on his own terms, until almost his 95 birthday. At 95 years, Andrij lost his mobility and went into care at Ivan Franko Home in Toronto. The family thanks the staff of Ivan Franko for the kind care of their tato and dido. Visitation will be held at TRUSCOTT, BROWN & DWYER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1309 King Street East, at the Delta (opposite Gage Park) on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 7-9 p.m. Panachyda at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Vladimir's Church. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery.

Vichnaya Pamyat.