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NICK DIAKIW
Born: May 15, 1931
Date of Passing: Aug 29, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNICK DIAKIW
It is with both sadness and fond memories that we announce the passing of Nick/Dad/Gigi in his 95th year of life.
He leaves to celebrate his life, his children, Bob (Shelley), Kathy, and Jim (Tynesa). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Orest Meleschuk and sister-in-law Julie Diakiw.
Gigi will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Karson (Lissette), Laura, Alexandra (Bruno), Portia, and Wyatt. Also, his great-grandchildren, Mila, Sofia, and Lily. In addition, he leaves behind his nieces, Carolyn and Christine Diakiw, Karin McSherry, and nephews Sean Meleschuk, Dan and Michael Diachun.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Lesia in 2021 after 65 years of marriage; his parents Paulina and Wasyl; and by his only brother Donald in 2008.
Nick was born on May 15, 1931, at the height of the great depression, to Ukrainian immigrant parents in the Point Douglas area of Winnipeg’s North End. He attended Norquay, Aberdeen, and St. John’s Tech schools. In 1953, he graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.
During his formative years at school, he excelled at many sports; his favorites being football and hockey. He was a provincial All-Star Quarterback for St. John’s Tech and was good enough to be courted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But his parents, Ukrainian immigrants, with an age-old work ethic, informed him that a university education was more important and so that was that. While at university, Nick continued his passion for football and played for the Winnipeg Rods Football Club in his spare time. His love for sports never left him throughout his lifetime.
During his undergraduate years, Nick was employed as a Survey Rodman with the City of Winnipeg, Engineering Department. After graduation, he progressed through the administrative structure of the City of Winnipeg to his appointment as Commissioner of Works and Operations in 1974 and culminating in his appointment to Chief Commissioner for the City of Winnipeg in 1978. For 10 years, Nick was Chairman of the city’s Board of Commissioners, which was responsible for the supervision of all employees and the operation of all departments and services.
On November 1, 1988, upon his retirement from the City of Winnipeg, he was appointed to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of The Forks Renewal Corporation. It was established to redevelop a major riverfront site at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Nick was always extremely proud of his accomplishments at The Forks and after phase one of the project was successfully completed, he left The Forks to move on to the private sector with LaFarge, Canada Inc. until his retirement in 1998.
During his professional career, Nick served on a number of boards of national and international associations. He was President of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1980 and President of the International Public Works Federation in 1990. In1992, he was the recipient of The Lieutenant Governor Generals Medal for “Excellence in Public Administration”. In 2003, he received the prestigious “Leadership Award” from his peers in the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba.
In his commitment to our community he served on numerous local boards including; Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Winnipeg Enterprises Corp., Ukrainian Professional Business Club, Winnipeg Library Foundation, Holy Family Nursing Home, Manitoba Blue Cross, Winnipeg Hospital Authority, Winnipeg Community and Long Term Care Authority, and the Misericordia Hospital.
In his later years, the family cottage in Minaki, Ontario and the winter holidays spent in Palm Springs, California were his greatest pleasures. The special times spent there with Lesia, family, and friends were like heaven to him; whether it be out on the lake fishing with one of his grandkids; sipping on a cold martini on the patio with Lesia and breathing in that warm desert air; or discussing current events over a Rum and Coke with anyone willing - nobody loved talking politics or sport’s more than he did.
Nick was a proud and dedicated Winnipegger. He was a credit to his family, his profession, and to his community. We love him and we will miss him always.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holy Family Nursing Home.
VICHNAYA PAMYAT
Tributes: www.glenedenmemorial.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2025
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Carol and I were saddened to learn today of Nick's passing. I first met Nick in 1957 when as a junior draftsman I was assigned to work with him. As our careers progressed, Nick as the city's top administrative official and mine as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, I had the pleasure of working closely with him on many fronts. Carol and I particularly cherished our friendship with both he and Lesia and enjoyed our many travels together. Nick loved Winnipeg and there was no greater supporter. He will be missed. Our Condolences to Bob, Kathy and Jim. - Posted by: Dave Grant (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2025
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Condolences to the Family. It was my pleasure to work with Nick. His guidance was supreme. - Posted by: Gerry Ducharme (Friend & Business) on: Sep 13, 2025
