STEPHAN DOWBETA

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STEPHAN DOWBETA 1923 2017 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephan (Steve) Dowbeta at the Grace Hospice, on January 10, 2017, in his 94th year. Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Olga, in 2012. He leaves to mourn his children, Greg (Gaye), Michael (Sherrill) and Nancy (Rick); grandchildren, Michelle (Scott), Alex, Courtney, Kevin (Lindsay), Wes (Jen) and Andy; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Riley, Liam and Dawson; sister Genka in Ukraine; sister-in-law Ruth, and many nieces and nephews both in Canada and Ukraine. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Wasyl and Anna Dowbeta; sisters, Marinka and Yevheniya; and brothers, Vasyl and Hryc in Ukraine; in-laws, Oksana and Jacob Iwanchuk, brothers-in-law, Mike, Paul, Wesley, Cecil, Peter and Alex, sisters-in-law Vera and Mary, as well as many dear friends from church. Dad was born on May 11, 1923 in Sukhovolya, Ukraine. As a young man, he left Ukraine under duress and was detained in Germany, where he was held as a forced labourer. After the war, he was sponsored to Canada by family in Beausejour, and endured a 12-day ocean journey to arrive in Canada at Quebec City, eventually making his way to Winnipeg. It was in Winnipeg that he met Olga and they were married on October 17, 1953. Dad was a longstanding member of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and Brotherhood. With their dear friends from church, Mom and Dad had many colorful adventures, including their legendary trips to Grand Forks. Dad was the strong, silent type but it seemed Mom could always get him going. Dad worked briefly for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and then for 37 years at Cowin Steel, retiring in 1988. He enjoyed his retirement, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending time with Mom at their trailer at Camp Veselka in Gimli until Mom's passing. Mom and Dad went back to Ukraine in the 70's and thoroughly enjoyed it. They had always meant to go again but it was not to be. Dad had battled a chronic health condition since 2010 but, feisty as he was, he did not let it slow him down until the last few years. He was always a kind, quiet gentleman and true to his values. Although we will miss him very much, Dad left us with a lifetime of memories and a legacy that will live on through all of us. Many thanks for the care Dad received at Seven Oaks Hospital, and to the wonderful nursing staff, aids, cooks and volunteers at Grace Hospice, where Dad received kind and loving care during his last weeks with us. A special thank you to Father Alexander Harkavyi for his visits with Dad in hospital and at the hospice. Thank you to all the friends and family who visited Dad in hospital and at the hospice. A special thank you to our dear cousins and their families who brought Ukrainian Christmas to Dad at the hospice, singing Ukrainian Christmas carols in his room on Ukrainian Christmas Day. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, with The Reverend Fr. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dad's memory to Camp Veselka, CancerCare or to any charity of your choice. Vichnaya Pamyat Rest in Peace, Dad. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2017