Obituary of Mykola Berezuk

Berezuk, Mykola- With sorrow and full hearts, we announce the peaceful departure from this world, of Mykola Berezuk on July 3rd, 2007. Born in Victoriv, Ukraine in 1920 to mother Ahafia and father Vasyl Berezuk, Mykola left his homeland at the age of seventeen. His memories of Ukraine, its natural beauty, traditions and his desire for a just society were never far from his heart and his actions. Mykola†™s post WW11 life took him to England where many refugees from Ukraine found employment. It was there that he met his true love, our beautiful mother, Theresa Hadadi-Regurtsij. They married on February 22nd, 1952, and remained in England for one year before immigrating to Canada where our parents worked hard, determined to create a life for themselves in St. Catharines. Ultimately, Mykola was employed by General Motors, where he worked gratefully, for 30 years. Mykola Berezuk committed himself to his wife, daughters and extended family. He is survived by his wife Theresa (nee Hadadi), daughters Luba, Vera, Tanya, son-in-law, Dennis, and grandchildren who adored their †œDido†�, Clarissa, Marta, Alexander, Christopher and Kalina. Mourning his loss also, are Mykola†™s Michigan family, sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Theodore Lewyckyj, niece Natalka and husband Michael Rudnycky, their children, Tanya and husband Michael, and Andrij, nephew Peter Lewyckyj and his wife, Natalia and their son, Zenko. Nieces and nephews of Mykola in Ukraine and family in Austria are also saddened by news of his parting. Mykola†™s zeal for justice and fierce pride in his Ukrainian heritage permeated his life. He was a parishioner of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in St. Catharines. Mykola was a founding member, and intermittent president of the Ukrainian Black Sea Hall, whose existence was due, partly to his work in the Ukrainian National Association, through which funds for building of the Hall where raised. An activist to the end, Mykola was a member of the League of Ukrainian Canadians and the Ukrainian Youth Association for which he was president many years. Our father loved to quote from many Ukrainian poets, but closest to the hearts of our family comes from his cherished, often quoted line by famous poet, Lesia Ukrainka, who wrote, †œhope means sowing seeds in the snow†�. Mykola Berezuk lived with a glad heart, a presence that was larger than life, and a wonder at all things great and small. Admired by all who knew him, our father lived according to his convictions: a steadfast dedication to family, respect for nature, passion for his tradition and faith. Tato, go now to the table prepared by God to that great reunion of you and your family. Vichnaya Pam†™iat. We wish to extend warmest regards to the staff of St. Elizabeth†™s Home Care and Para Med for their compassion, and professionalism. Nancy, Mykola called you his †œguardian angel†� and Ziggy, you put a smile on his face every time he saw you. Mykola†™s family will receive friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Street, on Sunday, July 8th at 2-4, and 7-9 p.m. Panachyda at 7:30. Funeral Liturgy will be held at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church on Monday, July 9th at 10:00 a.m. Internment to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Help us Help the Children, the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church building fund, or the Asthma Society. Into the other world, my friend To God we†™ll hasten to our rest… Let us now go home A home of gladness you will know -Taras Shevchenko