Michael Skala

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of  Michael Skala, on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Riverview Health Centre.  He leaves behind his wife Lucy of 51 years, daughters Olia Skala and Halyna Skala Tataryn, granddaughters Kalyna and Odessa Tataryn, son-in-law Andrew Tataryn of Calgary and extended family in Canada and Western Ukraine.

 
Michael was born July 7, 1941 in Volya Wyzna, Lemkiwschina, the oldest son of Maria and Vasyl Skala.  April 1947 the family was resettled to Ternopil, Ukraine during Operation Vistula.  On April 30, 1966 he married Lucy Korytko. He worked in Textile Combinat, Ternopil as a Mechanical Instructor,  until he moved to Canada June 1977.  Where he worked at Reimer Express as a trailer mechanic and later as a home builder and handyman.  His hobby was raising canaries, working in his garden and travel to warm climates like Hawaii, Mexico, Phoenix & enjoyed Cruising the Carribean. He was a long time member of Saint Vladimir and Olga Parish and in the Ukrainian Brotherhood.  He will be remembered for his sense of humour,  incredible kindness and generosity.  

The family would like to thank Dr. James Paul, and the caring staff at Riverview Health Centre, Dr. J. Cassidy and amazing nurses and team.
Prayers will be held at 7 pm on Friday, February 9 at Sts Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor St., with Father Yaroslav Buduykevych officiating and Father Darren Kawiuk.  Funeral liturgy will be celebrated by Father Yaroslav Buduykevych at Sts Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 10, 2018.  Michael will be laid to rest at All Saints Cemetery on Main Street. 

Vichnaya Pamyat

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.  I did not die.