IWASJUK, 'John' Ivan - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John (Ivan) Iwasjuk, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend on Thursday, November 26, 2020.
Loving husband to Irene (Hubiak) for 60 years.
Dear father to Eugene (Danusia) and Roman (Olya Vovnysh).
Cherished dido of Matthew, Christina and step-dido to Yuriy.
Remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends throughout Canada, USA and Ukraine.
John (Ivan) was born in Okopy (Ternopil region) Ukraine in 1926. He was a Holodomor survivor and remembered the starving children and the soviet machine guns shooting anyone trying to cross the river to reach food.
At the age 16 he was twice arrested by the KGB as a Ukrainian activist, beaten and then sentenced to death in Siberia.
Sometime after that in Siberia, along with other young Ukrainians, he was drafted and sent to the front line.
After surviving several battles, he was wounded, captured by the Germans and sent to Germany as a POW (prisoner of war).
At the camp, he met Ukrainians from the Galicia Division and the UPA. He also became a member of both the Ukrainian Youth Association and Plast and helped to build these organizations on German soil.
In 1948 he immigrated to Canada and worked as a cement mason in a large Canadian building company. He helped to build the CN Tower, The Rogers Centre (skydome), numerous hospitals, the Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Reactors and many others.
Living in Toronto, he continued to support Ukraine and Ukrainian organizations, donating both time and money to the purchase and construction of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre Toronto, supporting the development of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada, the construction of Camp Weselka, Ukrainian churches, and many other Ukrainian causes. Until his death he financially supported many Ukrainian projects and during recent years he helped support Ukrainian soldiers defending against Russian aggression.
John was a dedicated father first and foremost.
He especially loved his role as Dido. He adored and treasured his grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. Since their birth he dedicated all his time to help to raise them. We could not ask for a better, more caring Dido.
He loved doing something special and pleasant for his grandchildren and the people around him. He was active and sharp, he loved life, enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening and was able to keep driving his car until shortly before his death. John as a father and grandfather had the wisdom of long experience and the love of an understanding heart. Having him as our father and grandfather is a gift we'll hold forever.
Thank you for your support in this trying time. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 and the rules surrounding the lockdown, we will not be able to have a visitation or Panahyda, so we would ask that you spend a moment in prayer instead.
Instead of sending flowers for his funeral, John’s wish was to donate to 2 very important causes in his memory, to support The Holodomor Memorial Fund and to support solders who are fighting for freedom in Ukraine.
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