MYKOLA MANDZIJ

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MYKOLA MANDZIJ Finally rid of his pain, Mykola was met by an army of angels who carried him away on November 30, 2013 at the Seven Oaks Hospital. His daughter was at his side and his two angels of mercy, nurses Barb and Rhonda, nearby. He had the opportunity to visit and extend his good-byes to everyone who meant so much to him, and especially Dmytro and Vasylyna Bosak who filled his evenings with conversation and hot, homemade chicken noodle soup broth. Mykola was born March 1923 to Mykola and Jadwiga Mandzij in the village of Remezivchi, Zolochivskoho Povity, Ukraine. In April of 1943, after meeting Cot. Boychuk, commander of First Ukrainian Division, Ukrainian National Army, who told them that they needed men to finish the fight to ensure that Ukraine not fall into enemy hands, Mykola, along with many of his friends, signed up that very day. They left for recruitment training in Germany the next day. After the war, because he had no official papers or documents, the camp commander urged him to go to apply to move to England along with some of his own men; and so with a forged passport, that is what he did. In England he found his mother who stayed with him till she passed in 1984. There, he also met a lovely girl from his very own village. This beauty's name was Anna Smereka, and he wasted no time in getting married in May of 1948 after a very quick two week courtship! They settled in Halifax, Yorkshire, where Mykola worked in the coal mines. It was hard work, but he still found time to integrate into the Ukrainian and Church communities as well. In 1950, their only daughter, Mary came into the world. They were very happy but the weather and the coal mining was hard on his health, so in 1952 the family, including Baba, set sail for Canada settling in Winnipeg. Here they had friends that had preceded them, and they were able to be part of the Ukrainian community that served as surrogate family for most of these displaced immigrants. Mykola found work at Bristol Aerospace where he worked until his retirement. Mykola was a loving, caring and devoted husband and father, a very committed member of St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church and later at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Institute Prosvita; SUM (Ukrainian Youth Association); UPA; The School of Markian Shashkevych and most recently, the Senior's Club at the Institute Prosvita Dad was always there to help and support everyone in whatever way he could. His friendship and easy going nature will be missed by many. He was a very caring and understanding father to Mary and embraced Grant into their lives with wisdom and respect. He helped them whenever he could and during their married life, Mary and Grant could count on mama and tato to babysit, or water the artificial plants!!! He was a good tato. He also enjoyed his grandchildren. He and John had a very special bond, and he also loved talking Ukrainian to his granddaughter Ashley. He loved watching the antics of his great-grandchildren, Falicity, Cassidy, Teia and Dominic and was very proud of them all. Mykola leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Anna; his daughter Mary Hagman and son-in-law Grant Hagman; two grandchildren, John Hagman and Ashley (Hagman) Falconer, and of course, his beloved great-grandchildren Falicity, Cassidy, Teia and Dominic. He was predeceased by his parents, Mykola and Ewdokia, and his sister Hannia. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Ave. at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, 4355 Main St., West St. Paul. Donations in Mykola's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jennifer Chan and Dr. John Rabson for their years of care. Also a big thanks to Dr. Salem from Seven Oaks Hospital. VICHNAYA PAMYAT - REST IN PEACE, DIDO KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193
Publish Date: Dec 4, 2013

MYKOLA MANDZIJ Peacefully, on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Seven Oaks Hospital, Mykola Mandzij, aged 90 years, beloved husband of Anna and father of Mary Hagman. Arrangements pending. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193
Publish Date: Dec 2, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2013