WASYL (WILLIAM) GEORGE KORBUTIAK

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WASYL (WILLIAM) GEORGE KORBUTIAK March 22, 1931 - January 24, 2017 Peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, Wasyl (William) George Korbutiak slipped into eternal sleep at Holy Family Nursing Home at the age of 85. Left to cherish his memory are his two brothers, Peter (Anne) and Stephen (Marta); nephew Roman (Irka Semaniuk); nieces, Chrystia (Roman Semaniuk), Lydia (Marian Kandia), Oresta (Christopher Griffin), Laryssa (Brian Muzyka); and great-nephews and nieces, Alexander, Andrijko, Riane, Orion, Arkadya, Kalyna and Lukia. He is also survived by a few family members in Ukraine. Wasyl was born March 22, 1931 in the village of Balyntsi, Ivano-Frankivsk oblast, Western Ukraine as the middle son of Ewdokia and Alexander Korbutiak. During the Second World War in 1944 when Wasyl was 13 years old, the family secretly packed a few provisions and some of their dearest possessions into horse drawn wagon and escaped at night, heading into the Carpathian Mountains. Their escape eventually took them to a small town in Austria called Landeck, a United Nations displaced person camp. After living there for four years, in 1949 they journeyed to Canada. It was while working at a sawmill camp in Sioux Lookout, Ontario that Wasyl learned his cooking skills while apprenticing as a cook's assistant. In 1951 the family of five arrived in Winnipeg where in 1957 they bought a grocery store on the corner of Mountain Avenue and McKenzie Street. Wasyl operated A & M Grocery and Meat store for 35 years. Over the years the bachelor grocer became a local icon. He had an extremely kind and caring heart and never denied anyone in the neighborhood much needed groceries even though they may not have had the money to pay for them immediately. It also wasn't uncommon for the neighborhood, especially the ladies, to drop in for a visit and talk with him for hours while he busied himself on the butcher block. Wasyl was a great listener and always conveyed the right words that would bring a smile, laughter or simple comfort to a person's heart. In 1992 Wasyl finally retired and sold the store. He lovingly cared for his parents until they both passed away in 1998. Wasyl was an active volunteer within the Ukrainian community: helping with Plast Ukrainian Youth Association, and on the Board of Directors of Chytal'nia Prosvita, and as a member of the Millennium Choir. He was also a long standing member of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, serving many years as a trustee and board member. Wasyl was unassuming and extremely generous with his time and energies. His humble nature preferred to get things done quietly, shying away from public recognition. Everyone should be so blessed as to have someone like Wasyl in their lives. He was quick to flash a smile, share a one liner and extend a helping hand regardless of whether you were family, friend, or acquaintance. He was one of those special people that every so often would reach out and pinch life just to remind it that he was alive and well and still around. He will be deeply missed by his family and always lovingly remembered. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Drs. Taras and Andrea Babick, Sister Darleane Pelechaty and the devoted nurses and staff of 5A at Holy Family Home for their wonderful care of Wasyl and the kindness and support shown to our family. Funeral Divine Liturgy and Panakhyda (Prayers) will be held on Monday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. in Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. in Winnipeg, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Marian Kandia, Alexander Korbutiak, Andrijko Semaniuk, Roman Korbutiak, Miha Rosoha, and John Zacharuk. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wasyl's memory may be made to the Lubov SSMI Foundation (Holy Family Revitalization Fund), 1085 Main St., Winnipeg MB, R2W 1T9. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT'! KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2017