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BOHDAN IVAN KLYMKIW
Date of Passing: Mar 07, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBOHDAN IVAN (BOXY) KLYMKIW Boxy passed away peacefully, at St. Boniface Hospital, on March 7, 2017, at the age of 87. Bohdan was predeceased by his parents, his brother Walter, sister Natalka and many close friends. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Josephine; his daughter Roxanne (Ron); his son Mark (Peggy); and his brother Julian. The lights in his life are his four grandchildren, Stephanie, Joseph, Natasha and Alycia. He will be remembered lovingly by many friends and relatives around the world. During his younger days in Brooklands, Bohdan was active with his brothers in many sports, including soccer, hockey and football. He was given the nickname "Automatic" for his place kicking prowess in football. Hockey then became his lifelong passion, both as a player and a fan. Bohdan served on the boards of many organizations, including Carpathia Credit Union, Ukrainian National Federation (UNF Winnipeg), UNF St. Boniface, Oseredok (Ukrainian Cultural and Education Centre), and many boards in the Mechanical Contracting industry. 'Klym' (as he was referred to in the industry) received his Certificate of Qualification as a Plumber in 1953. He worked for Easton Plumbing and when he and his work buddy considered going on their own and started doing side jobs, his boss found out and stated - 'if you are going to be a contractor you better join the association and you might as well start today you're both fired!' Klym then created B&D Plumbing and Heating, a successful mechanical contracting company that he ran with his wife Josephine until 1999. At its onset in 1961, B&D was elected as a member of the Canadian Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association or MCAC as it is now known. Over the years, Dad was a board member at both the provincial and national levels and served as MB's President and as National Chairman. He was always so excited to go to the national conferences, held in a different province each year. Mom and Dad loaded us up in the Oldsmobile and off we'd go to another convention/holiday somewhere in Canada. Klym mostly played devil's advocate on the boards he served, never one to jump in without making sure you really considered the impact of the decisions made, no matter what side of the table you were on. He shamelessly promoted involvement in the association, stating that there's no better place to meet long term friends and collaborate with people in the industry. And the social activities were legendary. His motto was 'Be proud of your association, show your pride and wear your pin'. To this day, members still comment about wearing the lapel pin at events so as not to feel the feigned wrath of Klym. Boxy and Josie also spent most of their lives as members of the O. Koshetz Choir, travelling the world and promoting Ukrainian culture at home and abroad. He considered all choir members, past and present, as part of his family. The Klymkiw home on Wolseley (and especially the back yard on the river) hosted many special events and celebrations. Boxy and Josie were always inclusive, hosting an annual Christmas Day Open House for over 50 years. Boxy was the glue that kept his family and organizations together and functioning. Without his tireless efforts, many of these organizations would not be what they are today. The family would like to thank his caregivers, Jules, Collette, Cyndi, Alphonse and especially Sonia for their exceptional assistance in allowing him to remain at home with family during the past three years. Prayers will be sung Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization close to Boxy's heart: the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, Oseredok, 184 Alexander Ave. East, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0L6. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2017
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Gosh where do I start? How about most recently at my mothers funeral 2009 where he was quietly present and I was so overwhelmed that he and Josie came. He helped me during my schooling at U of M Architecture. He guided me during the design of Carpathia Credit Union. He got me involved as camp counsellor at Ukrainian Park in 1969. He also gave me shit when warranted. Will miss the cigar smell and straight talk. Thank you Boxy. - Posted by: Ihor Pona (Mentee) on: Mar 20, 2017
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Josephine and Family , very sad to hear of Bohdan's passing as a young director on the Board of MCA Canada from Newfoundland I was very enthused after meeting him ,he immediately commented on my pin in my lapel . His heart and soul were indeed involved in many associations and it was indeed a pleasure on meeting you both many times. Godspeed to His reward. - Posted by: Terry Murphy (MCA Canada Board Members) on: Mar 14, 2017
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Sending deepest sympathies to Josie, Roxanne, Mark and your extended families. Boxy was a very special person to me in many ways. I loved how he made everyone feel welcome in his life. Thinking back of days at Camp Rusalka at Josie & Boxy Klymkiw's trailer get togethers. His zest for life was infectious! Boxy is now singing with his ex Koshetz Choir in the new choir of Heaven. In remembrance of a wonderful person. Joanne Sarakula (godchild) & family from Australia - Posted by: JOANNE SARAKULA (GODCHILD) on: Mar 14, 2017
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On behalf of the general membership, Board of Directors, and national staff, we offer our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Bohdan Klymkiw. Bohdan was a true industry leader and was passionate about his industry association's; both provincial and nationally. He was an active Association volunteer for years and became National Chairman of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada in 1981/82. As his son Mark has said, Bohdan would always encourage Association members to wear their Association pin proudly particularly on the occasion of Association activities.....and if you didn't, you would certainly hear about it! He will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with Josie, Mark and the Klimkiw family today. - Posted by: Richard McKeahan (MCA Canada) on: Mar 13, 2017
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May you always treasure wonderful memories of your husband, father and dido! May you also take comfort in knowing that your dearly departed loved ones are guiding and watching over you. We feel your heartache...Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Вічна йому пам'ять! We extend our sincerest sympathy to you all. - Posted by: Sylvia, Rosemarie & John, Charlene & Andrij & family () on: Mar 13, 2017
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Bohdan was a beautiful warm hearted being. Most comforting of relatives. He also called me Donyu, which made me feel so special and at home. My first memory was when he and Josie first married and took a cross country trip on their honey moon to visit family! We were in Long Island, shortly after we arrived to US. Their honeymoon in a camper and so welcoming to all of us. So much love and blessings, Nadiyka Mykolayevych - Posted by: Nadiyka Mykolayevych (cousin in the United States) on: Mar 12, 2017
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I have some very fond memories of my long time friend Bohdan (Boxy) from his days at UNF, The Koshets Choir, his hockey days & the games he played as the "enforcer" at the Olympic Rink, But I remember him best from his many years of dedication to the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre (Oseredok). Boxy, your contribution has always been welcomed and greatly appreciated. The Klymkiw contribution to Oseredok will never be matched or exceeded. Even though I presently reside in Ottawa, I always made a point of visiting him every time I came to Winnipeg. REST IN PEACE BOHDANE. VICHNA TOBI PAMIAT. Stefan Korbutiak - Posted by: Stefan Korbutiak (Long time friend) on: Mar 12, 2017
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So many memories of a great leader in our industry. RIP old friend Merle - Posted by: Merle Anderson (Industry friend) on: Mar 12, 2017
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I am so incredibly sorry for the loss you have suffered.. - Posted by: Susan Herity (Family Friend) on: Mar 11, 2017
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I was fortunate to learn the plumbing trade from Klym at B&D Plumbing. He became a friend more than an employer and was a very encouraging person throughout my employment. Rest In Peace Klym. - Posted by: Doug Sinclair (Former Employee at B&D Plumbing ) on: Mar 11, 2017
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Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and loved beyond measure. Your Godson Ґоод би унцле бохи,иоу вілл бе міссед Лове алваис Роб Ґловіенка - Posted by: Robert Glowienka (Godson) on: Mar 11, 2017
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Being BFF's with "my Roxy" since we were very small, I remember the home and back yard festivities at 1224 Wolseley very well. Boxy and Josie were always so kind and welcoming to Roxanne and Mark's friends. "Mr. Klymkiw", as we called him, was a strong, stocky somewhat intimidating looking guy, but to we children, he was warm, welcoming and had a heart of gold. Later, as a teen, I was regularly the lucky benefactor of the Klymkiw's extra Jets Season's Ticket. They would pick me up at my house and take me to and from the games. I was a huge Sports fan and absolutely LOVED this - and being the youngest of five, could never have afforded to go to so many games as this. Later in life, when his beloved Josie no longer knew his name, Boxy would still visit his sweetheart every day - a testimony to their amazing, enduring love. My heart goes out to Ron, Rox, Steph, Mark and his family. A finer man would be hard to find. RIP, Mr. K.! - Posted by: Liz Duerksen (nee Elizabeth Keep) (Roxanne's sister of another Mister (close family friend)) on: Mar 11, 2017
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Boxy was indeed the glue that held people together. Fondly, I recall the 1993 trip to Україна, when he would corral "the committee" together for meetings at the back of the bus. Every time I saw him in the last few years, he always asked me, "When are you going back to choir?" He lovingly called me Доню, and it made me feel special. I felt like part of the Klymkiw family. I absolutely loved the story of Boxy and Josie and admired the example their love set for us young kids. Вічная Пам'ять! Memory Eternal! - Posted by: Uliana Kapty (Family friend) on: Mar 11, 2017