Obituary of WILLIAM HAWRYSHKIW

WILLIAM HAWRYSHKIW January 12, 1928 – November 8, 2016 With profound sadness and a devastating sense of sorrow the family of William Hawryshkiw announces his untimely death. He will be treasured and lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Tamara, daughter Lydia and son-in-law Oleh, his brothers-in-law Dr. Walter and John Lebedin, sister-in-law Sonia, nieces and nephews and extended family in Canada, USA, Ukraine, France and Russia. He was predeceased by his parents and nine siblings. William was born in Buzhok, near Bilyj Kamin, Ukraine and spent a happy childhood with his parents, seven sisters and two brothers until, at the young age of 16, he was forced by the circumstances of WWII to leave his homeland while his family was forcibly resettled to Siberia by the communist regime. After the war, having spent several years in Europe, he was proud to call Canada his new home. While cherishing the freedom and opportunity Canada offered him, he never forgot his roots. One of his greatest pleasures was to see his homeland Ukraine gain independence. He felt fortunate to travel twice to Ukraine and re-establish contact with his family. William loved life and strived to live it to the fullest. Having arrived in Canada he became involved in the Ukrainian community, and both he and mama, were active members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. He worked many years at Canada Post as a coder and at Natural Bakery as a part-time bookkeeper. His interests were many and varied. He was an avid reader, loved nature and spent countless hours in his yard, lovingly tending the trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetable garden. Kind, supportive and loving, he enjoyed social gatherings with family and friends. He was a true friend to many, much loved and respected. He devoted his entire life to the well-being of his family. He was mama’s best friend and constant companion. Tato faced many challenges throughout his life, but faced each one head-on with stoic determination and his deep faith in God. He mentored by example and instilled in his family the values of faith, work ethic and responsibility to contribute to the community. He was always positive and carried this positivity right up until the end. Our family will forever be indebted to tato’s many caregivers over the years. He had high regard and gratitude to each of you and we will forever be indebted for your professional care and personal concern and kindness shown to tato. We especially would like to acknowledge tato’s family physician, Dr. Anthony St. Vincent and his MOA Charlene, Dr. Jeff Saranchuk, Dr. Gordon Buduhan, and Dr. John Rabson. We also thank the WRHA Palliative Care Program Team, especially Ann, for supporting his wish to live out his final days at home surrounded by the love and care of his family. He was our beloved and treasured husband and father and we were so fortunate to have you in our lives. Though we hurt and miss you because you are not physically here with us now, we have peace of mind knowing that you are at peace with God and, one day, we will be reunited. As per tato’s wishes, private funeral services will be held with V. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Gene Maximiuk officiating. If so desired, donations in William’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Vichnaya Pamiyat’ “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” --Helen Keller