Nicholas "Nick" Kashty

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas (“Nick”) Kashty at the age of 97. 

Beloved husband of the late Stella (nee Poberezny).  Predeceased by his youngest son, Martin (Ron).  Survived by his sons Myron and Michael (Ann).  Proud grandfather of Alarice, Arianna, Meagan and Nicholas.

Nick was born in the village of Holhoczi , Ukraine on December 27, 1927.  As a very young man he fought in WW II and was wounded in action.   After the war, he ended up in England and spent time in the cities of Cheltenham, Manchester and London.

In 1951, Nick and a group of Ukrainian friends, made the decision to move to Canada to start a new life.  He arrived in Montreal with almost no money and only a rudimentary grasp of the English language.  To make ends meet, he worked in a lumber camp in northern Quebec.    He eventually relocated to Toronto and began working in the kitchen at the Charles restaurant on Yonge Street.   It quickly became clear he had a gift for food preparation and that ability would turn into a lifelong career.

In 1952, Nick moved to Winnipeg.  There he met Stella Poberezny.  Nick swept her off her feet and they were married in February 1954.   Nick achieved continued success in his career.  He worked at the Royal Alexander Hotel restaurant and eventually became head chef at Deer Lodge Hospital, the position he held when he retired.   Nick and Stella raised their three sons in their home in the north end of Winnipeg.  Stella passed away in May, 2006, after 52 years of marriage.   Nick continued to live in the family home until his early 90’s.

Nick carried an immense pride for his Ukrainian heritage, never losing touch with the traditions and values that shaped him.  He was actively involved with Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Winnipeg Ukrainian community. He had a wonderful singing voice and that voice could be heard soaring during mass and family celebrations. 

He was also an avid gardener and could be seen on summer mornings pulling his wagon loaded with buckets of water to the vegetable plot located near his home.  He used these home-grown vegetables to make his wonderful borscht and cabbage soup and many other dishes.  No family member or friend left Nick’s place hungry or without a few jars of dill pickles and beets.      

Nick enjoyed watching sports and was a dedicated fan of the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers. In his younger years Nick was an excellent athlete and soccer player and came very close to playing professional.  A long-time member of the Wellness Center (Seven Oaks Hospital) Nick worked hard to maintain his fitness through his senior years remaining active well into his 80’s and 90’s. He was very proud that he lived to see all of his three sons retire.   

Nick’s story is one of drive and sacrifice. He met every challenge he faced with dignity and strength and sacrificed for his family members and, much like the garden he loved so much, was able to watch them grow and prosper.

The family wishes to send special thanks to the following individuals/ groups:

The Waverley/ Rosewood Retirement Living Centre for the care provided in Nick’s last few years;    

Dr. Kourosh Alamian Harandi for years of compassionate health care service; and

The staff of the Urgent Care Department and 5 South of the Victoria Hospital who provided care effectively, patiently and in a respectful way.

Funeral will be held at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church (115 McGregor St, Winnipeg) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at noon.  Reception to follow at the Church’s Hall. 

Nick’s ashes will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Stella, at the All Saints Cemetery in Winnipeg during a private ceremony.  

If so desired (and in lieu of flowers) the family requests that people make donations to organizations supporting Ukraine and its people.