MICHAEL Z. TARNAWECKY

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MICHAEL Z. TARNAWECKY Professor Emeritus University of Manitoba It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Zenon Tarnawecky on Saturday, October 11, 2003, after a long illness, with his devoted wife Iraida at his side. Michaels greatest love and pride was his family. In addition to his beloved wife and life partner Iraida, his passing is deeply mourned by his daughters, Marusia (son-in-law Kas) Zurek and Natalie (son-in-law George) Balko, and his five grandchildren: Michael and Andrei Zurek; Oleksa, Stefan and Arkadia Balko. As well, Michael will be sadly missed by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Oleh and Bonnie Gerus; his niece and nephews, Helene (Paul) Lucko, Andrew and Roman Gerus; niece Zoya Bilozor and family, and many friends and colleagues around the world. Michael was born in Borshchiv, Kolomyia Region, in Ukraine in 1924. He was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Maria as well as brothers, Vasyl and Mykola. He is survived by many family members in Ukraine, including his sister Marusia and brothers, Yurij and Ivan. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Michael left home, but he continually cared for and assisted his family over the ensuing years. He studied Law at Georgia Augusta University in Goettingen, W. Germany. There he met and married Iraida (Gerus), a medical student, in 1948. In 1950 Michael and Iraida immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg, where they began a new life, a new family and new careers. At the University of Manitoba he studied Electrical Engineering, specializing in Extra-High Voltage technology. From 1957 to 1966 Michael worked at Manitoba Hydro where he was the Department Head of Planning. He was responsible for planning Manitobas electrical transmission network, most notably the Nelson River Transmission project. His professional expertise and groundbreaking research led to an academic career at the University of Manitoba in the Department of Electrical Engineering. "Professor Mike", as he was affectionately known by his students, fulfilled this position with great distinction for 30 years. He was a pioneering researcher in power systems engineering and enabled the University of Manitoba to become a leading centre for HVDC technology. He was also instrumental in the introduction of the PhD program in Electrical Engineering at the University. Professor Tarnawecky was internationally respected and served as consultant on hydro projects in England, Sweden, Switzerland, India, Germany and Brazil. He also was a visiting scholar, teaching in Czechoslovakia, Brazil and China. A renowned researcher and prolific author, he received six patents on his innovations and discoveries. Upon retirement from the University of Manitoba, Michael was honoured for his "distinguished scholarship, service and leadership to the University and the engineering profession" with the award of the title "Professor Emeritus." In addition to his professorial work, Michael generously contributed his time and efforts to the Ukrainian Canadian community, serving on numerous Boards and fulfilling a strong leadership role in many local and international community organizations including St. Andrews College, the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in Canada (UVAN), the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Presidium, Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. In 2002, as their continued commitment to the Ukrainian community, Prof. Michael and Dr. Iraida Tarnawecky launched a Distinguished Visiting Lecture Series at the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies at the University of Manitoba. "Panakhyda" Prayer services for Michael will be held on Monday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m., in the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1175 Main St. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Very Rev. Fr. Henry Lakusta will officiate, assisted by other members of the clergy. Pallbearers will be Michaels grandsons Michael Zurek, Andrei Zurek, Oleksa Balko, Stefan Balko, and nephews Roman Gerus and Paul Lucko. The family expresses their gratitude to Michaels caregivers at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home for their kindness and to his loyal friends who visited with him during his difficult illness. Donations in Michaels memory can be made to the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies at the University of Manitoba, St. Andrews College in Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. Michael was truly an outstanding man - deeply devoted to his family, community and profession. He will be missed profoundly. Vichnaya Pamyat! CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2003