Obituary of Rev. Deacon John Kit

KIT, Reverend Deacon John, B.A., M. Ed., M. Div. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 8, 2013. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Rose of 58 years, and his children Dr. John Kit, (Zoriana), Mary Anderson, Marlene Moss (Michael), Jerry Kit (Janice), Patricia Halliwell (Gary), and Andrea Beatty (Michael). Proud Grandfather of Tamara, Alanna, Olivia, John Andrew, Kalyna, Laura, Mariah, Robert, Kristen, Michael, Maegan, Alexa, Lauren, Christopher, Vanessa and James. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Deacon John was born on August 19, 1925 in Trudovach, Ukraine and immigrated to Canada in 1937. He graduated from the University of Toronto, St. Michael†™s College, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1950; from the College of Education in 1951; from the University of Ottawa with a Masters Degree in Education in 1971 and from Buffalo State College with a Masters Degree in Divinity in 1993. He was ordained as a Deacon in Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1993. Deacon John began his career as a secondary school teacher in Milverton, Ontario, proceeded to teach in Flesherton, Ontario and moved to St. Catharines to teach at the St. Catharines Collegiate and shortly after transferred to Sir Winston Churchill S. S. (SWC). He taught English, French, Ukrainian and for most of his teaching career, he was Head of the Business Department. As a very committed and compassionate teacher, he lived by the model that †œmotivation starts everything and discipline finishes the task†� which encouraged his students to strive for the very best. While at SWC John initiated the Scottish Pipe Band and was the staff advisor of the Rowing Team for many years. After 39 years of dedication, he retired as a well respected and loved teaching professional. At the age of 68 he was ordained as a Deacon at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1993. As a long time member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in St. Catharines, he held many executive positions. He devoted his time and talents selflessly to the Ukrainian Church and the Ukrainian Community. Deacon John was a member of the Ukrainian Credit Union, Myrhorod Ukrainian Seniors Club, Brotherhood of Ukrainian Catholics, Ukrainian Black Sea Hall and Knights of Columbus. He was proud of his Ukrainian heritage, loved to sing Ukrainian songs, and until recently was an active member of the Canadian Bandurist Capella of Toronto. He was happiest with family and helping others. His strong faith was a fundamental component of his humble and fulfilling life and gave him strength through his recent illness. His wonderful sense of humour and zest for life prevailed to the end. The family would like to express sincerest thanks to the many family members, friends and caregivers who shared their prayers, kindness and love. Although he will be sadly missed, we are comforted knowing he is at peace and embraced in the arms of our Lord. Vichnaya Pam†™iat. Deacon John's family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Sunday, February 10th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Visitation will also be held on Monday, February 11th at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 14 Rolls Avenue from 6-9pm. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 12th at 10am at the church. Rite of Committal Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Panachyda will be recited in the funeral home on Sunday at 7pm, and Parastas will be served at the church on Monday at 7pm. If desired, memorial donations to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.