Lubomyr Banias

Lubomyr Alexander Banias

June 26, 1945 – February 12, 2024

On Monday, February 12th, 2024, Lubomyr Alexander Banias passed away after a long battle with kidney failure and cancer.

Lou is survived by Gail Banias, his brother Ivan (Olia) and sister Martha, his daughters Vera (Zach) and Oksana (Adrian), his son Roman, grandchildren Nadia, Eric, Alexander, and Elijah, his brother-in-law Ihor, and numerous nieces and nephews both in Canada and in Ukraine. He is predeceased by his parents Michael and Olga, sister Marika, and brother Alexander.

Lubomyr primarily worked in the engineering field, having received a diploma from the Manitoba Institute of Technology (Canada) for Civil Engineering Technology in 1968. Lou developed his technical skills and experience first in the Earth Sciences Division of Underwood McLellan & Associates. In the latter part of his career, he managed three organizations which did work both locally and internationally; Trident International, Third Wave Engineering, and CANUKR Development Corporation. Through his work, he was fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world, including Mauritius, Swaziland, Ecuador, Seychelles, and Ukraine. He also had close ties with the Manitoba Indigenous population, working with several First Nations bands including Peguis First Nation. Lubomyr was also instrumental in assisting the formation of the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) through both his personal connections and technical expertise.

Lou served as a President of MANSCETT (Manitoba Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists). He served on the board of directors for 10 years, after which he served for three years as a member of the certification board.

Throughout his life, Lou was a proud member of the Ukrainian community. As a young boy, he was an avid and active member of PLAST. As the organization CYM was created, partially by his father, Michael, Lubomyr made the move over to it in 1953. He became an extremely involved member. Throughout the years he attended many camps throughout Canada, New York State, and Germany. Lou stayed close to the organization throughout his life, holding many positions in it, including President of CYM Winnipeg for a time. He was a founding member and, from 1991 to 1993, the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko. He acted as Vice President of the Canadian Ukrainian Institute Prosvita and continued to sit on its board in many roles, including Treasurer.

Lubomyr was a lover of range shooting, having taken an active part in national and international pistol shooting competitions. He also served for 14 years as Secretary-Treasurer of the Provencher Rifle and Pistol Association. He would also occasionally go hunting, bringing home bucks and prairie chickens as the seasons permitted.

Thanks to Dr. Young, Dr. Terry Babick, and the entire nursing staff at Holy Family Home ward 2A where Lou spent his final days, as well as the dialysis staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital. A very special thank you to Erena for her care and friendship.

There will be a service on Sunday, March 3rd at 5:00 pm at Sts. Vladimir & Olga Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Ukrainian Institute Prosvita.

Vichnaya Pamyat