Retired Chief Judge/Retired Commander Ernest Carl Boychuk was born March 29, 1934, at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to John and Anna Boychuk (née Hlibchuk). He grew up in Saskatoon, attending Westmount Elementary School, then Bedford Collegiate and lastly the University of Saskatchewan where he studied Law.

He was keenly aware of his identity as a Canadian of Ukrainian heritage partially as a result of his family’s involvement with the Ukrainian National Federation. The UNF hall on Avenue  G, which his parents were instrumental in building, was regarded as a home for Ukrainians away from home.

He had an early love for the sea and this lead him to join Sea Cadets, where in 1951 he was chosen to attend an Empire Training Camp in England. There he received the Best Class Leader of the Empire Award and enjoyed tea with HRH the Queen in Buckingham Palace and was invited to return the following year for the Queen’s coronation. The navy awarded him the National Defence telescope as best Senior UNTD cadet. He became Commander of HMCS Unicorn, achieving the Silver Destroyer Award for best Reserve Division in Canada.

He began his practice of law in Saskatoon and eventually entered public service with the City of Saskatoon’s legal department. His careers took him to Regina and Saskatoon where he held important positions such as Magistrate, later designated as Provincial Court Judge. He was Saskatchewan’s first Ombudsman followed by Chief Judge of the Provincial Court, Chairman of the Wages and Price Commission and Chairman of the Public Utilities Review Commission where he remained until his retirement.

He is a lifetime member of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. He has served as president of both the Regina and Saskatoon Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Clubs. He was a member of the Fides Club and Patron of the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble. He currently lives in Saskatoon.

He married Grace Jasper and together they have five children, Christopher, Daryl, Philip, Terrance and Marianne and three grandchildren.

Mary was born to Samuel and Caroline Wozniak in Brooksby, Saskatchewan. Raised in a predominantly Ukrainian community, she was inculcated with the love and passion for everything Ukrainian from birth and this became the foundation of her lifelong societal involvement. She graduated from the rural high school of Belgrave in 1944 and joined her older brother, Oliver at P. Mohyla Institute, in Saskatoon to attend Teachers’ College.

Following Teachers’ College, Mary began more than a decade of teaching in rural schools in the Melfort and Sheho districts. In 1961 she returned to Saskatoon to continue her studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Thereafter she taught in the Saskatoon West School Division until her retirement in 1984. As an educator, Mary garnered a reputation as an exemplary professional, a caring teacher, and one who enhanced the artistic endeavours in the classroom. For this, she was instrumental in the Asquith School receiving the prestigious Hilroy Fellowship.

Mary is a dedicated member of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, serving on executives as president or vice-president for more than sixteen years at the local, provincial and national levels, and continues serving in her 65th year as a member. A member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, she served on the executive as vice-president and recording secretary, as a teacher of Ukrainian language, and as a member of the choir for more than thirty years.

In the Ukrainian community of Saskatoon, Mary spent years at the Kyiv and Karpaty Pavilions on the executive and/or demonstrating straw weaving and Ukrainian bread making. In 1985 she was the Ambassador of the Kyiv Pavilion. She continues as a volunteer at Ukrainian Day in the Park, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, and many charities, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Organ Donation to name a few.

Mary continues teaching straw weaving, oil painting, pysanka writing, and the making of traditional Ukrainian breads. She is especially known for her innovative wedding korovais.

Mary is recognized as a lady who has dedicated her life to the service of others, as a teacher, a volunteer, and a tireless contributor to her church and societal cultural life of her community.

Mary married John Woroniuk in 1946 and together they had three children, sons Simon and Marvin (deceased) and daughter Debbie. They were blessed with four grandchildren. Sadly, John passed away in 1992. Mary subsequently married Nick Budzak.

The eldest of four children born to Phyllis and Michael D. Luciuk, Gerald was raised on his parent’s farms in Wakaw and Porcupine Plain districts. After completing Grade 12 at Porcupine Plain High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and a Master of Science from the University of Saskatchewan.

Gerald’s career as a Professional Agrologist commenced in 1967 with the Government of Saskatchewan, initially as a tax assessor, and then in crown land administration. In 1981, he joined the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), where he assumed several directorships on sustainable agriculture, and soil and water management. Gerald was accountable for federal research studies and management of PFRA community pasture programs on one million hectares of rangelands in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Concurrently Gerald became involved in international assignments in forestry institutions in Russia and Siberia. When the Soviet Union collapsed, Gerald participated in the first Government of Canada planning mission to establish development assistance programs in Ukraine. He served as a policy mentor with the Deputy Minister of Economic Planning in Ukraine, and since then led a number of other policy and technical assistance missions to Ukraine. He also served as director to a China-Canada CIDA project in Mongolia. Gerald has written numerous published scientific papers, reports and presentations on sustainable land and water management in Canada and abroad. Gerald retired in 2006.

Gerald’s leadership highlights in the Ukrainian community include Past President of St. Petro Mohyla Institute Student Society, Provincial President of the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (CYMK) from 1966-73, and Vice-President of National CYMK, member of the Saskatoon Folk Singers Ensemble 1966-71, Ridna Shkola language and dance instructor in Nipawin 1973-75, member of the Regina’s Centennial Ukrainian Choir, Past President of the Mohyla Board, Past President of All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Saskatoon, Past President of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Regina, member of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Men’s Association (TYC) serving on a number of executive positions, helped establishing an interim ESL program for Ukrainian new immigrants through UCC Regina, and is currently Chair of the Advisory Committee on Saskatchewan Ukraine Relations.

Gerald and his wife Cathy (née Berezniuk) have been blessed with four children, Stephania, Lesia, Nadia and Yvan, and six grandchildren.

Creativity & Innovation

Olga Stefaniuk was born to Mike and Mary Popik at Hubbard, Saskatchewan. She attended school in Hubbard where her family ran a general store. In 1962 she attended the Saskatoon Business College and become a legal secretary. She worked at the law office of Francis, Gauley and Hughes for numerous years.

Olga was active in Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Saskatoon. For many years she was a member of its UCWLC Archives Committee and was coordinator for the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Project for the parish—an effort that realized more than twelve tons of relief donations. Olga was a member of the Public Relations Committee for Boyan Ukrainian Dance Association and a dedicated volunteer for organizations such as Folkfest and Vesna Ukrainian Festival. She was also a tireless volunteer in the broader community, helping with projects such as the Scott Tournament of Hearts and the Brier.

Olga’s life changed in 1986 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. From that moment she made the decision to use her small life for something bigger—to help those facing the disease not just to survive, but truly live.

At a time when support and information for cancer patients was limited, Olga learned the importance of a positive attitude when facing a serious challenge, and wanted to share that message with others. She, along with two other survivors, Marie Thiesson and Lilah Brehon, started a support group in Saskatoon for cancer patients. The success of the group inspired the three women to launch the HOPE Cancer Help Centre Inc. in 1989, a self-help program that provides assistance for those with cancer who wish to take an active role in regaining their health.

In 1996, 2006 and 2008 Olga faced further setbacks with her cancer. In 2009, while taking chemo, Olga penned and published her autobiography: A Rose Grows: fighting cancer, finding me. In the 213-page story of her life, Olga teaches how important it is to stay positive and never lose hope. The book was on the Top 10 Bestsellers list for four weeks following its successful launch in August 2009. In its third printing it was shortlisted for the Readers’ Choice category of the 2009 Sask Book Awards.

Olga married Orest Stefaniuk in 1965, and they were blessed with two daughters, Kimberley and Nicole. Sadly, Olga passed away this past spring.

Cultural Preservation & Development

Eugene was born to Dmetro and Mary (Kulikowich) in the Goodeve District. His education began at Crescent Bluff and Goodeve Schools. After attending Tuxedo Teachers’ College in Winnipeg, he taught schools in Kitsul, Drumague and at Cork Cliff near Winnipegosis. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (1960), he took the position of principal at Hubbard School and in 1965 continued his teaching career at St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton until his retirement in 1988. In 2000, Eugene helped to compile an Alumni Book for the celebration of St. Joseph’s College Reunion for years 1909-2003.

Church, the Ukrainian language, Liturgy and the Eastern Rite traditions are paramount of interest to Eugene. He started the first Sadochok and Ridna Shkola at St. Mary’s. Later he taught Adult Ukrainian classes. As a director of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir for 33 years, many hours were spent in preparation for the four-voice repertoires. Under Eugene’s direction, the choir appeared and sang on CKOS-TV numerous times and produced Ukrainian Christmas Carol programming on CJGX radio for over fifteen years. Music and performances were also shared with the residents in the Yorkton Nursing Home and churches in the area. Eugene conducted the choirs that sang at four Ordinations to the Priesthood.

Other activities at St. Mary’s have included President of the Parish and program chairman of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, St. Vladimir Branch. He is an honorary member of Fr. Delaere Knights of Columbus #5182 and is an original member of Brother Isidore Scholarship Committee. For over twenty years, Eugene was on the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Cultural Centre. He was instrumental in setting up the constitution for the first parish council for St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Eugene has been involved in the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Yorkton Branch since it was first established. In 1988, he co-chaired the planning of the Millennium Celebrations.

For over thirty years, Eugene conducted a joint Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox choir that performed at annual events such as Shevchenko Concerts and the Celebration of Ukraine’s Independence. Eugene also scripted and produced a program for Obzhynky (Harvest Festival). More recently Eugene has been involved with assisting new Ukrainian families in the Yorkton area.

Eugene is married to Violet (Kerunsky). They have two children, Stacy and Shannon, and six grandchildren.

Cultural Preservation & Development / Volunteerism

Patricia was the oldest child of Tom and Anne (née Basnicki) Keyowski of Canora, Saskatchewan. She was raised on the farm, and attended elementary and high school in Canora. Her father passed away suddenly at the age of 48, leaving her mother with young children with a major challenge to survive. This was the basis of Pat’s upbringing; hard work, determination and commitment were characteristics that predicated Pat’s many successes.

Upon graduation from high school, Pat attended Regina Teachers’ College and then the University of Saskatchewan. In May of 1965 she began teaching in the Canora School Division and remained teaching until 1968, when she became a stay-at-home mother. Her teaching skills and abilities did not end when she left the classroom. Pat was and is a lifelong educator. Some of her contributions were teaching catechism at her church, parent UCY advisor, Canora Veselka Ukrainian Dance supervisor, instructor and choreographer, dance workshop conductor, adult dance instructor, Ridna Shkola teacher, organizing and teaching Sadochok, teaching the Play portion of the registered Baby Sitting Course, organizing and teaching aerobics, to list but a few commitments.

Pat has been a lifelong volunteer in the community of Canora and beyond. Some areas that received the benefits of her organizational and leadership abilities were: Taras Schevchenko and Mothers’ Day concerts, Canora Heritage Museum executive positions including President at this time, member of Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Parkland Music Festival committee, Canora Multicultural Festival, “Canora 100” and Reunion committees, Canora figure skating club, and a long-time member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada and currently President of the Canora Branch. Pat’s community involvement included active participation in aerobics, bowling, curling, dancing and slow pitch. In addition Pat enjoys reading, scrapbooking, needlework, gardening and photography.

A life of volunteerism was Pat’s way of giving back to society the many good things she received in life and Pat believes in living a life of studying and learning as is evidenced by the many courses and classes she took over the years at the local community college. Some were sewing, drapery making, re-upholstery, computer and even carpentry.

In 1967 Pat married Bernard Peter Marchinko of Mikado, SK. They were blessed with three children, two daughters and a son. Her most recent blessing was to become a “Baba” to her granddaughter and three grandsons.

Alex was born to Helen and Peter Patryluk. He attended Thompson Elementary School and completed Grade 12 at Balfour Collegiate achieving the Governor General’s Medal for academic excellence.

At the age of ten, Alex became a member of the YMCA, and during his adolescent years developed a prowess in gymnastics, a sport at which he won the Western Canada Gymnast Award for excellence. In 1941, Alex joined the RCAF serving in Canada until the end of WWII, followed by a period of employment with the Treasury Department, Government of Saskatchewan, and then with Crane Limited. During this time he studied and earned a pilot’s flying licence. Alex then ventured on a new career with the purchase of the Leland Hotel in Wolseley, SK. Four years later, Alex returned to Regina and purchased the Earle Hotel, which he owned until his retirement. He also owned the Coronach Motel in Coronach, SK, and the County Squire in Fort Qu’Appelle.

Alex is well known for his dedicated participation in the Ukrainian community. He was a member of the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (CYMK) in Regina from its inception, serving as president, advisor and a leading actor for all CYMK productions and captivating concert plays. As a lifetime member of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Regina, Alex served on the building committees of the church, the Ukrainian Orthodox auditorium, and Selo Gardens Housing Corporation. During his membership of seventy years in the Regina Society of Prosvita, he served in various positions including President. Alex also is a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Men’s Association (TYC), and over the years has served at the local, provincial, and national levels in various executive positions. Alex was the first Ambassador of UCC’s Kyiv Ukrainian Pavilion at Regina’s Mosaic, and since then has worked tirelessly on many of its committees.

In addition to his talents as a gymnast, a pilot, an actor, an organizer, and an entrepreneur, Alex has served more than sixty years as a member of the church choir, and has sung in nearly every Regina Ukrainian patriotic choral group. In 2003, the Saskatchewan Choral Federation recognized Alex with a Golden Note Award for his dedication to choral singing.

Alex married Olyne Owadiuk in 1951, and they were blessed with three children, Tery, Bob, Marianne, and seven grandchildren.

Terence was born in Regina to Joyce (née Lipka) and the late Steve Zwarych. He attended school in Regina graduating from O’Neill High School. Terry furthered his education at SAIT in Calgary obtaining a marketing diploma. His career has largely focused on marketing to schools and he is currently employed by School Specialty Canada.

Terry began his passion for Ukrainian dancing at the Ukrainian National Federation Hall in Regina. Since then he has performed and/or produced concerts in almost every province in Canada, and this passion for dancing has taken him halfway across the world culminating in a tour of Ukraine. He was a founding member of the Chaban Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Regina. When school took him to Calgary, he joined the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble as a dancer and later their Artistic Director. Returning home to Regina he joined the Tavria Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and later became their Artistic Director. During his tenure as the Artistic Director of Tavria, he produced the magnificent “Magic and Mystic” concert at the Conexus Art Centre in Regina. He was the Artistic Director for Tavria when they made their first tour of Ukraine visiting Kyiv, Kolomyia, Ternopil and Lviv. He currently sits on the Tavria Board of Directors and was co-chair for Tavria’s Annual Ukrainian Dance Festival, one of the longest running dance festivals in Saskatchewan. He has also taught in Ituna for the Ituna School of Ukrainian dance.

Terry chaired the parish council for St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Regina during the iconostas installation. He is also involved with the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada.

He was the producer of the UCC – Regina Branch’s 100th Anniversary of Ukrainian Immigration to Saskatchewan Gala held at Regina’s Conexus Art Centre.

Terry has been very active with UCC Regina’s Kyiv Ukrainian Pavilion during Regina’s Mosaic – A Festival of Cultures. He has been the entertainment chairperson, deputy Ambassador and Ambassador. One can still find him setting up decorations, on stage as Master of Ceremonies or back in the canteen deep-frying perogies.

Terry currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Regina Multicultural Council where he was co-chair for Mosaic, Regina’s Festival of Cultures in 2010. He is currently sitting as a board member for the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan.

He is married to Oksanna (née Gawdyda). They have two children, Marco and Ivana.

Leadership / Volunteerism

Garry Gawryliuk was raised in Theodore, Saskatchewan. His  Ukrainian parents, John and Bella (Bilan), were of Ukrainian Orthodox faith with their foundation based upon hard work, perseverance and family tradition. This was the backbone of Garry’s upbringing on the family farm. After attending school in Theodore, Garry received his Bachelor of Education from the U of S in 1979 and his Bachelor of Arts in 1983.

Garry taught school in Rose Valley, Foam Lake and in 1985 accepted a position at the Yorkton Regional High School. Through his educational journey, Garry taught classes ranging from English, Math, Agriculture and Ukrainian. The job description may have changed over the years with Garry being SRC advisor for the past thirteen years, but one thing remains constant throughout this time and that is his devotion and dedication to the students. His portfolio includes career counselling, personal counselling, and scholarship rйsumй preparation. He is formally trained in suicide intervention (ASIST), Threat Risk Assessment and is part of the Traumatic Response Team. Perhaps one of his greatest achievements was continuing and integrating student exchange programs nurturing young leaders through SEVEC and Heritage Canada Programs.

His expertise has been utilized on numerous boards: Head Clinician with the Saskatchewan Hockey Association; education co-ordinator for three hockey teams, Yorkton Terriers, Melville Millionaires, and Yorkton Harvest of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame, and the Saskatchewan Amateur Wrestling Association.

Garry is president of St. John’s Orthodox Church near Theodore where he has taken on an active role in restoring the church, the hall and the cemetery. He also holds a membership at the Ukrainian Holy Transfiguration Church in Yorkton. For the past ten years, Garry has taken a keen interest in helping families who have arrived from Ukraine. He has helped students integrate into the education system and has helped their parents get accustomed to Canadian culture.

Garry’s awards include the prestigious Agriculture Ambassador Award from the Regina Agribition Association, the Bronze Maple Leaf Award from the Saskatchewan Amateur Wrestling Association, Saskatchewan Student Advisor of the Year, Yorkton Terrier Volunteer of the Year, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal award and most recently he was inducted into the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame.

Garry and his wife Dianne (Lysak) reside in Yorkton, where he continues to be involved in the community.

Youth Achievement

Lucas is the son of Michael and the late Shirley (Manchuk) Makowsky of Regina. Lucas received his elementary and secondary education in Regina, graduating from Campbell Collegiate in 2005 with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. As a youngster, Lucas was active in many extracurricular activities: piano, Ukrainian dance at the Tavria School, Ukrainian summer camping at Trident near Crystal Lake, and spending time at his grandfather’s farm near Canora, Saskatchewan. At a very young age, interest in skating turned to a passion when it was suggested he try speed skating.

Lucas recalled how he would, at a very young age, set ever-changing goals to strive for. He recalls the many times in his early training it was the desire to achieve that would keep him focused. In the middle of the harsh Saskatchewan winters, Lucas could be found outside skating laps at the Mount Pleasant speed skating oval.

Following graduation from high school, Lucas relocated, with his speed skating partner and brother, Mykola, to Calgary to pursue speed skating, as well as a University education. Lucas is currently completing a joint degree in Chemical Engineering and Economics. Characteristic of the high standards Lucas set for himself, he was on the Dean’s Honour Role for 2006 and 2007. Concurrent with his academic and speed skating achievements, Lucas maintains an active and connected community life in Calgary by continuing to practise the rich Ukrainian traditions he grew up to cherish and love, particularly in the Ukrainian Orthodox community in Calgary.

Lucas trains full time at the Olympic Oval since 2005 when he joined the Junior National Team, then moved on to the Senior National Team and then the 2010 Olympic Team. Although well recognized as a world champion speed skater, the culmination was to become a Gold Medallist at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Lucas continues to compete in World Cups around the world. Germany, Holland, Norway, USA, and Canada are a few countries where Lucas has distinguished himself as a world class skater.

Lucas is an inspiration to students in elementary and high schools, the youth in the Ukrainian Canadian community, and as a leader to his peers in his professional training circles where he leads by example day in and day out. Back at his academic studies at the University in Calgary, Lucas is also in full training for the 2014 Olympics in Russia.