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GEORGE HRYCAK  Obituary pic

GEORGE HRYCAK

Date of Passing: Aug 16, 2013

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GEORGE HRYCAK It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Hrycak on August 16, 2013, at Seven Oaks Hospital. Left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife of 48 years, Mary, his loving children and grandchildren: Joanne (Michael), Ivan and Adrian Sarakula of Sydney, Australia; Greg (Tania Ruday); Andrea, Canada and Darian Parrish of Anderson Island, WA, USA; and Elizabeth (Travis), Adam, and Tomas Takeuchi; his brother, Joseph and sister, Marie (Laird) Wilson of Regina, SK; his sisters-in-law Eva, Anne and Jackie Bonkowski of Arborg, MB; and many nieces and nephews. George was born on March 24, 1926 on a farm in Montmartre, SK. He grew up with five brothers and two sisters. With little opportunities in a small town, George came to Winnipeg in 1946 at the age of 20 and worked in the garment industry where he honed his skills as a tailor. He opened Gregg's Men's Wear, with his partner, Jack McRoberts in 1950. In 1953, he married his first wife, Mary Wavrenchuk, who predeceased him in 1960. Over the years, he expanded to form Riverdale Sportswear and Gregg's Insurance & Realty. While working, he went to night school and completed his high school equivalency and later took several accounting courses. In 1965, he was fortunate to wed Mary Bonkowski, and like his favourite movie The Sound of Music', she was his Maria. He cherished his family to the end. Education, music and a strong sense of his Ukrainian culture were very important to him. George was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Professional & Business Club, and past president and honourary lifetime member of the Ukrainian National Federation - Winnipeg Branch. He was an avid supporter of the Ukrainian community. George was a man of strong work ethic and was driven to provide the best for his family. He continued to work six days a week until he was 84 years old, when health problems forced his retirement. Memorial service to be held on Sunday, August 25, 2013, at St. Nicholas Church, 737 Bannerman Ave., Winnipeg, MB at 7:00 p.m. To honour his wishes, his ashes will be interred in the family plot in Montmartre, SK. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Holy Family Nursing Home or a charity of your choice. Korban Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. Vichnaya Pamyat - Eternal Memory.
Publish Date: Aug 22, 2013

GEORGE HRYCAK With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of George Hrycak on Friday, August 16, 2013 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Longer obituary to follow. Korban Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Aug 20, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2013

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • My deepest condolences to the wonderful family Mr. Hrycak left behind. He was a wonderful man whose hard work and dedication I always aspired to. You are all in my thoughts. Much love. - Posted by: Natalka Melnycky (Tania and Gregg's niece) on: Aug 27, 2013

  • Mr. Hrycak always took time with everyone and really listened to your concern and needs. He helped more people than we could possibly know through his generosity. It was my and my family's pleasure to know Mr. Hrycak a truly fine - Posted by: Stephen Sumka (friend) on: Aug 25, 2013

  • Our deepest sympathy to Gregg, Tania and their families. - Posted by: Lawrence & Brenda Solilak (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2013

  • My Deepest Sympathy to Mary & Family. I had the honour of caring for George at home before he went into hospital. He was a very kind and friendly man, I felt at home with him and Mary. Rest in Peace George you will be missed by many. - Posted by: Elizabeth Thomson (Home Care) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • I am saddened by the news as George was such a fun loving man with a fabulous smile. He loved & appreciated life and those who would come to just say hello. He teased me often but I knew where his heart was. As a former employee of Gregg's Insurance, and associate/friend of his son's Greg, I send my deepest condolences as I know he will be deeply missed. Lisa O. - Posted by: Lisa Oakes (Acquaintance / Friend) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • Sincere condolences to Mary and the Family - I am sorry I cannot be there but I am in spirit (Aussie Mike ) - also the entire Australian Sarakula family especially George's beloved grandchildren Ivan and Adrian wish to pass on their condolences. - Posted by: Michael Sarakula (Son in law) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • Dear Mary and Family, We do not have any words today to express how we grieve at your loss. Our earnest prayers and thoughts are always there to help you through the days ahead. With heartfelt good wishes, Craig and Maki. - Posted by: Craig and Maki Takeuchi (Travis's Brother) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • We send our thoughts and prayers to the family. Whenever we would see our Uncle he would have many interesting stories to tell us. - Posted by: Judy & Doug Bennett & Family (Uncle) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • Mary & Family: We share your sorrow in the great loss of George. All love and sympathy to you and yours. Sincerely, Mas & Jean - Posted by: Mas & Jean Takeuchi (Travis's parents) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • Sincere condolences from the McRoberts family--many good memories of `919` - Posted by: McRoberts Family (friend) on: Aug 22, 2013

  • We always enjoyed visiting with George as we passed through his store on our way from the parking lot to his son's insurance agency. Always ready with a friendly comment or a good humoured sales pitch for a clothing item that he was displaying. We missed him when he closed the store a few short years ago. - Posted by: John Shantz (customer/friend) on: Aug 22, 2013

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