Gregor Makuch

Gregor had a brother, Vasyl Makuch and a sister, Emilia (Makuch) Baszenska, both of whom have passed away. Their sons Orest Makuch and Ihor Baszenska, both currently live in Lviv, Ukraine, survive them both.

Gregor’s Mother passed away when Gregor was two years old. His aunt Emilia then raised him.

During World War II, the Nazi’s removed Gregor from his family. Gregor was then transported to Germany and used as forced labor as so many of his future friends had been.

After being liberated by the United States, Gregor stayed and worked for the United States as an aid in the kitchen. When asked if he would join the United States to fight the Japanese he said yes. Fortunately for his future family the war in Japan ended and he was not need to go and defend us.

Since the war was over many forced laborer’s wanted to return to their home’s, but the stories many heard made them decide to stay and try to find new lives. Gregor spent time in Displaced Persons Camps, Landow and Karbach. Gregor met Maria at Landow.

Gregor and Maria then settled in Arolsen, Germany.

Gregor worked for the International Tracing Service in Arolsen. Gregor worked to help many families and refugees locate each other, so many were lost and displaced, during World War II.

Gregor picked up a few hobbies and interests. Some of these were boxing, chess, soccer and photography. Gregor told me he was pretty good until a french fighter had knock him out. He was a decent chess player and had helped his team win some local city vs. city tournaments. Soccer, he played it in his youth and loved it all the way to his final days. Photography was his other hobby that Gregor loved to his final days, from taking pictures to developing and printing them. Also then along the same lines videos. He loved shooting video.

Gregor and Maria married in 1948. They had their first child, Halina, in 1951.

Gregor and Maria then decided that they should try to immigrate to the United States. They accomplished this in 1957. They settled in the Boston area with the help of their friends that had immigrated earlier. There they had their second child, Stephan.

They spent 30 years in the Boston area pursuing the American Dream.

Gregor was very involved with the Ukrainian American Youth Association. There he held many position, from secretary to sport director. He loved being the sports director the most. He brought his love of sport to the youth in the program. From track and field to volleyball he loved it all. He was there to see the volleyball team win a first place trophy in Ellenville, New York, in 1978. After many years of competing and coming up short, finally a first place win in 1978.

He was also very involved with Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church. His faith was an inspiration to all.

In 1987, Gregor and Maria both decided to relocate again. This time they relocated to Southern California, Pomona to be exact. They decided to retire in this community and to be close to their only grandson Vincent Gregor Makuch.

Gregor also involved himself with the Ukrainian community here in Los Angeles. His faith was an inspiration to all who knew him at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. He also kept himself busy with Ukrainian Cultural Center.

Gregor is survived by his wife Maria (Trochimiuk) Makuch, his daughter Halina Makuch, his son Stephan Simon Makuch, grandson Vincent Gregor Makuch also a granddaughter Patricia Ann Makuch who has passed away.

Gregor was a loyal, loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend. All that have crossed his path will miss Gregor!