Obituary of DIMITRY DUSCHAK

DIMITRY (DMYTRO) DUSCHAK It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear father and grandfather, Dmytro Duschak, on Saturday, February 6, 2016, with his loving family by his side. Dmytro was born on July 7, 1925 in the Bukovyna region of Ukraine and immigrated to Canada after the war where he settled in Winnipeg. Here he met and married Jennie Topolewski of Renwer, Manitoba and together they raised their four children. Dad was employed by C.P.R. as a Carman at Weston Shops, and was also the General Chairman of the Prairie Region Carmen’s Union where he worked tirelessly to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all employees. Being proficient in this role, his advice and guidance was sought after for many years following his retirement in 1986. Dmytro and Jennie became members of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in 1963 and were soon involved in all parish organizations and activities. Being a natural leader and public speaker, Dmytro was President of the Parish Executive from 1970-1978 and again from 1983-1986 and remained an Executive Member for approximately 25 years. Together, Dmytro and Jennie enjoyed entertaining family and friends and spending time at Camp Veselka in Gimli. Mom and Dad valued their friendships and cherished the many wonderful memories made over the years. They especially relished their visits with Jennie’s family in British Columbia and always held them very dear to their hearts. Through his involvement with the Union, Dmytro and Jennie were able to travel extensively throughout Canada and the U.S. and had planned further travels upon his retirement. Sadly this was not to be as just a short time later Jennie became ill and passed away. Devastated by this loss, Dmytro continued his life’s journey with a heavy heart. Dmytro was instrumental in the establishment and construction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Millennium Villa of St. Mary the Protectress (a seniors’ housing complex) and in 1988 was its first elected President, a post he proudly held for 20 years (1989-2009). Additionally he was an Executive Member of the St. Andrew’s Brotherhood, and a member of both the St. Mary’s Brotherhood and Parish Building Committee. For all of his volunteer efforts in community development, Dmytro was awarded the City of Winnipeg Community Service Award in 1994 and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council Bulava Award in 2014. Dad was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was always more than willing to assist his children and grandchildren in any way possible and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. His grandchildren were so very fortunate to have had the privilege of visiting Ukraine in 2004 where they not only met their Dido’s family but also spent time visiting with them in the house that he was born in. This was one of the most memorable highlights of their trip. The family sincerely thanks Dr. Taras Babick and Dr. Andrea Babick for their many years of friendship and compassionate care of our father as well as the staff of both Seven Oaks Hospital and Holy Family Home who tended to him recently. Also our deepest gratitude is extended to Father Alexander Harkavyi and dear family friends who were also present in Dmytro’s final hours. Your presence was most meaningful and greatly appreciated by both Dad and the family. Dmytro was predeceased by his beloved wife Jennie in 1989, and his younger siblings in Ukraine, Nykolai, Lykeria, Vasyl and Vasylyna. Left to cherish his memory are his children, son Bill, daughters Kathy (Rusty) Dobriansky, Sandra (Wally) Lytwyn and Barbara (Jerry) Bielak as well as his loving grandchildren Stefan Lytwyn, Daria Lytwyn (Jonathan Wilson), Nyk Bielak of New York, Zachary Bielak (Bryn Wiebe) of Toronto and Oles Dobriansky. Also left to remember him fondly are his many nieces and nephews in Ukraine along with the Topolewski family in British Columbia; Nick and Jessie, Joe and Joan, Peter and Josephine and their families. Prayers will be sung on Friday, February 12th, at 7:00 pm at St. Mary the Protectress Cathedral, 820 Burrows Avenue. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 13th, also at the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Vichnaya Pam’Yat – May His Memory be Eternal