Sydorenko WasylSYDORENKO, Wasyl   -  March 15, 1960 – January 13, 2022

Musicologist, composer, pianist, and music critic, Wasyl was born into the family of artist Petro and Kateryna Sydorenko.

He completed a B.A. (Musicology Specialist, Geology Major) and an M.I.St. (Library and Information Science) at the University of Toronto; however, Wasyl's most cherished achievement was his ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance (Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto).

Starting his career in Vertebrate Palaeontology at the ROM, Wasyl moved to the University of Toronto libraries (35 years).

From 1994 he was East European Reference Specialist, Petro Jacyk Resource Centre; in 2010 he became President of CUPE Local 1230 (Library Workers).

In this role, Wasyl was a fierce advocate for his colleagues. Equally committed to the Ukrainian community, for 25 years, he edited and contributed to the St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral bulletin, Cathedral Bells.

First and foremost, Wasyl was a composer (http://www.htplus.net/sydorenko/).

In 1991 Wasyl organized a concert to promote the 100th year of Ukrainians in Canada, conducting a ten grand piano ensemble at Massey Hall. Wasyl also penned numerous articles and music reviews, contributing knowledge and expertise to many music initiatives (Ukrainian Music Festival, Ukrainian Art Song Project).

Wasyl is deeply missed by wife Nadia (née Burachok), daughter Natalia, son Petro, sister Halyna, aunt/godmother Lubow Baziuk, cousins Andrij and Natalia with their families, and relatives in North America and Ukraine.

Public visitation is Friday, January 21st at Cardinal Funeral Home, 92 Annette St. Private Panakhyda. Funeral is Saturday, January 22nd, at 10 a.m., at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius. Spots can be reserved by contacting the funeral home.  Interment in Oakville.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to a memorial fund for Wasyl Sydorenko and his music legacy.

TorontoObituaries.com

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