IVAN SZYJKA

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IVAN SZYJKA At the Holy Family Nursing Home on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 Ivan Szyjka peacefully left us in order to meet the Lord. Ivan was born on September 25, 1912 in Mosty Velyki, Ukraine. In 1935 he was drafted into the Polish Army and was involved in battle when the German Forces invaded Poland in 1939. Taken a prisoner of war, he was deported to Germany, interned in prison and then transferred to obligatory labor, first on a farm, then to a factory in Hamburg. After the war ended, he, along with many others was among the many displaced persons who were aided by relatives to emigrate to Canada. Sponsored by his uncle, Peter Kruk, he arrived in Winnipeg on December 18, 1947, having left behind in Germany his wife Alexandra and new born daughter Irene, both suffering from tuberculosis. Several months later Alexandra died and Irene was placed in an orphanage. It took four long years for father and daughter to be reunited, in Winnipeg. Ivan worked as a machinist at the Dominion Bridge Inc. until his retirement in 1997. In 1952 he married Josephine Ignatz, a widow with two daughters, Carole and Irene. Together they worked, brought up their family, and shared many happy family gatherings, especially enjoying times with their grandchildren. Josephine died in 1996 which made the last ten years difficult for Ivan even more so as he slowly succumbed to Alzheimers. Ivan was predeceased by his parents, his wives, Alexandra and Josephine, his brother Peter, uncle and aunt Peter and Mary Kruk. He leaves behind his daughter Irene Miller, stepdaughters, Irene (Larry) Hicock, Carole (Aidan) Maher, sisters-in-law, Julie Jarecki and Mary Szyjka, niece Darlene (Glen) Jorundson and grandchildren, Darcy Maher, Reagan, Erin and Delaney Hicock. Ivan was an active member and supporter of many Ukrainian organizations and the Sts. Vladimir Olga Cathedral. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ivan's memory to the Sts. Vladimir Olga Cathedral, the Children of Chernobyl Fund, Holy Family Nursing Home or a charity of choice. Special thanks are extended to the nurses and staff of 3A Holy Family Nursing home for their care and compassion. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sts. Vladimir Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. with Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2006