Roman Wolodymyr Wasylkewycz

It is with profound sadness that the family of Roman Wasylkewycz announces his passing on Monday, November 13th, after a prolonged illness.

A life-long Winnipegger and dyed-in-the-wool North Ender, Roman’s loss has impacted deeply not only his wife of nearly 40 years, Maria (Marusia), but also his sister, Marta, and members of his extended family. Roman was an integral part of a large and loving network of family members — aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, and  in-laws, who kept in regular contact with one another and would get together frequently if for no other reason than to have some fun together and enjoy one another’s company. 

Roman was proud of his Ukrainian heritage and spoke the language fluently, having graduated from Ukrainian Heritage School at Ukrainian National Federation (UNO). He was a longtime member of Plast Ukrainian scouting organization and a parishioner of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, as well as its youth choir, Tyrsa.  During high school, Roman was the “foreign correspondent” to the Ukrainian Students’ Club journal Smoloskyp, sending articles on electronics, or ham radios and other related topics from his base at Garden City Collegiate to St. John’s High School to be published. Roman had leadership abilities. While at the University of Manitoba, Roman was president of the Ukrainian Catholic Students’ organization, Obnova, as well as vice-president of the Ukrainian Students Club. As a youngster, he served as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and played on the church’s peewee hockey team. He also learned to play mandolin in the Pona mandolin orchestra.

In his youth, Roman enjoyed camping and cooking around the Coleman stove with friends and future brothers-in-law, Steve and Bohdan, and their wives, Marusia’s sisters, Luba and Oxana. Not one to ever miss a Blue Bombers football game, he discovered a way to string up wires from a small television set in his tent in order to catch the game from his campsite. His love of sports, in particular football and hockey, continued throughout his lifetime as he rooted for all of the home teams — his beloved Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets. In later years, he enjoyed his parents’ cottage in Glen Bay where near midnight he would usher everyone out to the road to watch the International Space Station fly by, or to watch the Perseid meteor showers and count how many “falling stars” one could spot.

Roman met his future wife, Marusia, when they were both in high school. Marusia was attracted to the tall, dark young man with the quirky sense of humour and a flair for romantic gestures. Their budding romance started at a Ukrainian New Year’s gala, Malanka, during which they danced the night away. They continued to see one another in church as both were members of the church choir.  By summer, they attended high school graduation together. Roman and Marusia shared an interest in most things Ukrainian, a love of the arts, music, history and culture which manifested itself in date nights at the Jazz and Fringe festivals, the opera, symphony, theatre, and art gallery, but began with pizza, bowling or movie nights and then progressed from there. Theirs was a life-long romance marked by a mutual respect and an abiding love and concern for one another. With his brother-in-law Bohdan’s assistance, Roman was able to enjoy the Jazz and Fringe festivals one last time a year ago. His sister-in-law, Stephka also arranged for Roman to attend one final jazz festival concert this year. 

Roman was always thorough and methodical in his approach to any problem, researching every detail and thinking well ahead. This is likely why he was recognized for his mechanical aptitude. Entirely self-taught, Roman had an instinctive understanding of all things electronic, mechanical or computer-related and he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help with a computer problem or any other electronic/mechanical issues. Marusia’s grandfather put it best when he said Roman had “golden hands” capable of solving any mechanical problem he was faced with.

Roman had many gifts, among them a wry sense of humour and a dry wit.  His descriptions of various events would literally get everyone rocking with laughter. He was a great cook, specializing in pizza, ribs and chicken as well as stuffed peppers. He was also an animal lover, enjoying nature — watching the different species of birds around the cottage and the deer that would stroll through the property. 

Roman’s fondest memories were from his parents’ cottage, where he spent many summer nights chatting with in-laws and friends around the fire pit, barbequeing hot dogs or steaks, and taking in the fresh air. 

Though illness had ravaged his body in his later years, his strong spirit and sheer determination kept him going much longer than anyone would have anticipated. Despite numerous physical limitations and waning strength, he tried to live his life to the fullest as best he could, still visiting family when possible and even catching a Jets game with Bohdan.

Roman was predeceased by his parents, Volodymyr and Josepha, and his brother-in-law, Bohdan. He is survived by his wife, Marusia, and his sister Marta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Prayers and viewing will take place on Tuesday, November 21, at 7 p.m. at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, followed the next day, Wednesday, November 22, by the Funeral Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor St., celebrated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok. The family is grateful to Dr. Lamba at Health Sciences Centre for the care that he provided to Roman throughout these past eight years. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stoke Foundation would be appreciated.

Vichna Iomu Pamyat. 

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