WOLODYMYR LESKIW

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WOLODYMYR LESKIW March 18, 1926 - January 9, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Woldymyr (Walter) on January 9, 2015 at Holy Family Home. Wolodymyr was predeceased by his parents Peter and Katherine and is survived by his wife Nadia; his three children Anna (Michael), Mary (Gerry) and Andrew (Arusia); his grandchildren Andryj, Natalia, Damon, Daniel, Eva, Nicholas and Emily, and many more relatives in Winnipeg and Ukraine. Woldymyr Leskiw was born March 18, 1926 in Budynin, Poland. That year, his father, Peter Leskiw, moved to Canada with hopes of a better life for his family. For years, Peter tried bringing his wife and son over. In 1938, everything was finally arranged, just as the Second World War broke out, leaving Katherine and Wolodymyr behind in Poland. Working the farm alone was a difficult life for Katherine, exasperated by Soviet armies' invasion during the war. Wolodymyr joined the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), who attempted to protect homes and families against the armies. In 1944, the Soviet army caught Wolodymyr, charging him with treason and sentenced him to a 20 year prison sentence. He was transported to Kazakhstan to a labour camp where he worked in a coal mine. The conditions were unbearable. Alongside his Ukrainian comrades, he persevered, together nurturing their love of their country and language. He was finally released during the amnesty in 1955. Displaced by war, Walter reunited with his mother in Chmielewo, Poland, and worked there as a land and farm appraiser. In 1957 he met Nadia Koczil, and they were married shortly after. His father finally succeeded in bringing his family to Winnipeg in 1959, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and 10 month old baby daughter. He loved his children and instilled his love of Ukraine and the language and traditions. He belonged to many Ukrainian organizations, but most importantly dedicated many years to Plast Ukrainian Youth Organization and Ukrainian Reading Association, where he served as secretary. The family would like to thank Dr. Babick and all the staff at Holy Family Home who cared for Wolodymyr. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street, Winnipeg. The interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Family Home or Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Inc. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2015