Danylo (Daniel) Bodnaruk

We said our last farewells on November 11, 2023, and will be forever grateful to have had the honour of being with him at the last moments of his long and eventful life.

Upon being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past August, he continued to be “a man of action” and planned projects for the future. Danylo’s kind nature was not diminished by his diagnosis, as he continued to smile and remind those around him “don’t worry be happy – life is wonderful!”.

Danylo was born in Pidhirki, Kalush, Ukraine, and is pre-deceased by his parents (Petro and Polahija) and brother (Volodomyr). Survived by his loving wife of 60 years Pelagia (Pam), daughters Anna Roberts (Karl) and Julia Campolongo (Joe). Cherished dido of India Roberts, Zane Roberts, and Rachel Campolongo. Danylo also leaves behind extended family and friends in Pidhirki and the United Kingdom.

In his lifetime, Danylo lived through many historical world events. He survived Holodomor, and in 1942, during the second world war, he was taken from his home village by the Nazi regime and re-located to a work-farm in Germany. After the war, he moved to England and worked as a milling machinist and maintenance mechanic while pursuing his certification to become a mechanical engineering technician. On February 6, 1964, he married the love of his life, Pelagia, and by 1971 they had a family of four. Upon accepting an offer of employment with Westinghouse Canada as a tool and die maker, he emigrated with his family to Canada in 1974. He held this position until his retirement on September 30, 1994.

Upon retirement, Danylo continued to apply his mechanical skills to tinker with car engines, lawn mowers and snow blowers. He took great satisfaction in taking things apart and making modifications, a trait he passed along to his grandson Zane. He loved being outdoors and would often spend hours tending his garden, feeding birds, and caring for all the creatures that seemingly recognized his affinity with all living things. At family gatherings Danylo would liven the room with his dance moves, encouraging both India and Rachel to “ei, ei, ei, o” with him. Anna and Julia will always remember his epic last-minute jaunts to Metro for lottery tickets followed by trips to Canadian Tire for “necessary” car parts.

Danylo retained a strong connection to his Ukrainian heritage as a long-time member of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church, and his participation as both president and secretary of the League of Ukrainian Canadians.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the compassionate and professional care Danylo received from Dr. Desa Bibic, Carol, and Pam from his initial diagnosis through to his passing. We would like to thank the VON nurses who provided comfort and support during the last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local food bank or animal shelter of your choosing.

“Vichnaya Pamyat”

Family, friends and others whose lives Danylo touched are invited to the visitation at MARKEY-DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King Street East (at Kenilworth) on Sunday, November 19 from 4-8pm with Panachyda at 7pm. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, November 20 at 11am. Burial to follow at Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery.