PIDZAMECKY, Karl (Karol) -
December 16, 1923 - February 16, 2024
Born in Potochyshche, Horodenka Raion, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukraine.
Passed away peacefully, at the Ukrainian Canadian Саге Centre, Toronto, in his 101st year. Loving fatheг of Raymond, Tom, and the late Rev. Subdeacon Michael.
Cherished grandfather of Аагоn (Victoria), Alexis (Nick), Rachael (Adam), Кіга (Julian), and Derek; and treasured great-grandfather of Тауlог, Joгdan, Axton, and Avyn.
Predeceased by his dearly beloved wife of 59 years, Winnipeg-born Магу Skwark; parents, Franko and Kateryna (Srajchuk); and brother, Wasyl (Olga).
Survived also by his dear sister-in-law, Ruth Skwark (the late Mike) of Winnipeg; as well as cousins and many nieces, nephews, and extended family across Canada, the United States, and in Ukraine. In 1935, his father, who had come to West Ft. William, Ontario, as a remittance worker in 1926, sent for 12-year-old Karl, along with his mother and brother, to join him in Sudbury, Ontario.
There, together with his whole family, Karl began his lifelong volunteer association with the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF). In 1942, Karl moved to Toronto, where, during WWII, he was recruited to work at the Acme Gear and Screw munitions factory and later as a riveter at the Queen's Quay shipyard for Corvette destroyers.
After the war, Karl worked for his father's businesses in Long Branch and Fort Erie and then in the hotel industry, marrying in 1953.
In 1963, settling with his young family in Etobicoke, Karl began a long award-winning career in beverage alcohol sales with Molson, Carling O'Keefe, and after being enticed out of retirement in 2000, with the Brick Brewing Co., continuing to service some clients until he was 92!
All the while Karol continued to be very active in the UNF and the broader Ukrainian Toronto community, including as supervisory committee member of Ukrainian Credit Union Limited, and parishioner of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre (especially on the 2nd floor where Karl lived) for their devoted care, and to Father Ivan Palisa and Father John Tataryn for their spiritual support.
Also, to Karl's niece, Ulana Pidzamecky, and longtime neighbours and friends, Nella Lee and Janette Carpenter, for their loving support as Karl's health declined, and for the many kindnesses they showered upon him in his last days.
Resting at Newediuk Funeral Home, Kipling Chapel, 2058 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke, оn Tuesday, Febгuагу, 20, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., with Panakhyda at 7 p.m. Funeral at St. Demetrius Church, 135 La Rose Avenue, Etobicoke, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. Interment at St. Volodymyr Cemetery, Oakville.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to UNF Foundation ог UCU Helps Ukraine would be appreciated.
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