Obituary of Joseph Hnatykiw
Joseph fell asleep in the arms of our Lord, ten weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
If you measure a man by the love received from his wife, his children, his relatives, and his community, then Joseph was a giant. Those who knew him recognized that he was a humble, forthright, and generous person, brimming with love that he shared with those around him. He was a profoundly spiritual man with a close relationship with God. Joseph lived his life the only way he knew how, sharing what he had and giving what he could. We celebrate his life and acknowledge his achievements.
A beloved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph leaves behind a large family: his spouse of 72 years, Diane; daughters Lesha, Sonia (Michajlo), and son Orest (Joanne); grandchildren Nykolai, Larysa (Pasquale), Olena (Brian), Kalyna (Fraser), Andriana (Kristov), Alexandra (Carl) and Krystina; great-grandchildren Aidan, Niko, Cian, Karmyn, Mikayla, Kenna, Massimo, and Danika; and nephews and their families in Ukraine.
Joseph was born in the village of Verbiv, Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine, to parents Illko and Kateryna. With his siblings Wasyl, Hania and Olya, he lived a peaceful life attending school and helping on the farm. The upheaval brought about by the Second World War, found Joseph displaced and eventually making his way to Canada, initially to Fort William and then to Brantford, where he met Diane. The two married in 1951 in Toronto and eventually moved to St. Catharines.
His impact on the Ukrainian community in St. Catharines will always be remembered. Along with being a devoted and long-standing parishioner of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, singing with the church krylos, he was actively involved in various community organizations (Ukrainian Youth Association, League of Ukrainian Canadians, Congress of Ukrainian Canadians - St. Catharines branch, and Ukrainian Black Sea Hall). Joseph worked non-stop for his family and community. Whatever he reaped in personal reward and satisfaction, he gave back two-fold. May his memory be everlasting. Vichnaia Pamiat.
Friends may gather at the George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Friday, October 6th from 4 - 8 p.m., Panachyda at 7 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Saturday, October 7th at 9:30 a.m. Rite of Committal to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church Building Fund.