Obituary of PETER LUKASHENKO

PETER LUKASHENKO It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Peter Lukashenko on Sunday, October 4 with his family by his side. He will join his wife Shirley in eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peter was born in Hluhiv, Ukraine on January 28, 1932, a single child to Vasyl and Maria Lukashenko. He lived a prosperous and happy childhood until political unrest between Ukraine and Russia resulted in Peter and his parents fleeing to a displaced person's camp in Germany. They applied to Canada as refugees arriving in Halifax at Pier 21 in 1949. They then began farming in Swan River. Shortly thereafter Peter left his parents for Winnipeg to begin his new career in the meat industry working for Swifts, Dominion Stores and with the T. Eaton Company meat department until his retirement. Peter met and married the love of his life Shirley Gulay and they were happily married for 54 years. Together they raised their children with strong family values providing them with the many opportunities. Peter felt a deep gratitude to his new country Canada, a land with rights and liberties of a free society and endless opportunities. As a Holodomor survivor, it was a priority for him to ensure that his children maintained and valued their Ukrainian heritage and traditions, language, religion and culture. Peter was a lifelong member of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. He and Shirley travelled extensively. Besides many tropical vacations, the highlight for him was when he returned to visit his homeland and village shortly after the independence of Ukraine, reuniting with long lost relatives. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at Camp Veselka, the challenges of catching the biggest fish at the cottage at Beresford Lake, and relaxing in the pool in Fort Lauderdale. He leaves to celebrate his life his family: Elizabeth, Victoria, William, James, Wayne, Jennifer, Ralf, Leeza, Lukas, Leo and Michael. Prayers will be sung on October 7th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral with Very Rev. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Funeral service will be held on the morning of October 8th at 10:00 a.m. also at the Cathedral. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Peter's name to St. Mary the Protectress Cathedral, 820 Burrows Ave. Tato, you will be greatly missed, always loved, and never forgotten. May you rest in peace. Vichnaya Pam’yat