Bishop Basil Filevich
January 13, 1918 (Stryj, AB)

The second bishop for Ukrainian Catholics of Saskatchewan, the Most Reverend Basil Filevich, demonstrated, throughout his life, to be highly committed to the preservation and advancement of his Ukrainian community and church. His vision and determination were directed primarily at education and participatory community involvement elicited by genial encouragement.

Basil Filevich was born to Anna (Pelech) and Omylian Filevich, of the Sokal region in Ukraine, who settled in Stryj, AB. He studied theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton and was ordained in 1942. Father Filevich served in five parishes and ended his church service as a bishop in Saskatchewan from 1984-94.

From 1951-78 he was a Rector of St. Josaphat Cathedral in Toronto. Here his leadership capabilities were recognized with ever-advancing eparchial appointments and distinctions, culminating, in 1972, with the title of Mitred Archpriest. In 1983, at 65, Mitrat Basil Filevich accepted the nomination as Bishop of Saskatoon, remaining at his post to the age of 78 years.

Convinced of the importance of the Ukrainian language and culture to the development and sustainment of the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church, Monsignor Filevich undertook, at great odds, the establishment, in 1961, of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic School. Through his unremitting intervention the school evolved from parochial status to the first publicly funded Ukrainian Catholic school in Canada in 1962. Enrolment peaked at 300 in 1963. Since then enrolment has fluctuated and is now being sustained by a fourth wave of Ukrainian immigrants providing 96% of students.

The Filevich direction extended into his episcopate. The Millennium preparatory workshops and celebrations evolved into an ongoing Study Days program throughout the eparchy. There was eparchial input into the University of Saskatchewan classes on Eastern Christianity and the provision of $10,000 for the first bishop’s contribution to the Millennium Project of an Ottawa institute for university training of Ukrainian Catholic priests. There were study programs and workshops for religious, laity and young people to determine directions for the eparchy. The Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate established a Catechetical Centre while the Sisters of St. Joseph took on teaching duties in addition to care of the elderly. Other projects included rectories in Saskatoon and Melfort and senior residences in Regina and Saskatoon. The Bishop Filevich Hall at the St. Volodymyr Villa in Saskatoon pays tribute to the caring and wise leadership of their eparch. A model deaconate program produces religious personnel and an eparchial newspaper provides a unifying bond.

The retired Bishop Basil Filevich has been described as someone "special" in his loving and committed guidance of his flock.

Wilfred Homenuik
b. December 30, 1935 (Kamsack, SK)

Wilfred Homenuik, of the famous Homenuik golfing family, was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, on December 30, 1935 to John and Mary Homenuik. He became one of Canada’s most accomplished golfers during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He won numerous tournaments at the local, provincial, national and international levels.

Wilfred Homenuik was introduced to golfing at an early age when he and his siblings spent a lot of time working and learning the art at the Yorkton Deer Park Golf Club. They also practiced whenever and wherever possible, including in pastures. As a result, he and his brothers Ted and Stan were pioneers in Saskatchewan golf competitions during the 1940s and 1950s. As a junior golfer he was runner-up for the Saskatchewan provincials three times and winning the Saskatchewan Amateur Golf Title in 1953. Wilfred won the Manitoba Amateur in 1956 and 1957. He was also runner-up in the Canadians.

Wilfred won many amateur competitions not once but twice such as the York Lake Open, the Melville Open and the Dauphin Open. He was winner or runner-up in provincial open championships in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta a total of eleven times, including winner of the Manitoba Open in 1961 and 1972, and the Alberta Open in 1961 and 1965—a significant feat for someone coming from a relatively small community and having to learn the game on a course with sand greens. Other championships included the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association Title in 1965 and 1971; the Peru Open in 1965; the Panama Open in 1966; the Millar Trophy in 1967 and 1968; the East Ridge U.S. Tournament in 1971; the Labatt Invitational in 1973; and the Lake Michigan Classic in 1973. He was also a member of Canada’s World Cup team in 1965 and 1971. He has held many professional positions in Manitoba, Ontario and in Canadian and American competitions.

Wilfred, along with his brothers, Ted and Stan, were inducted into the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1998. He became the head professional of the London, Ontario, Highlands Golf Course in 1976. He is currently the teaching professional golfer at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario.

Wilfred was married to Jean Young, and they have three children: Gwen, Scott and Jason.

Yaroslaw Kotyk
b. 22 December 1924 (Whitkow, SK)
d. 19 May 2003 (North Battleford, SK)

Yaroslaw Kotyk was born to Michael and Paraska Kotyk on December 22, 1924 in the Whitkow district, northeast of North Battleford. He took his primary education at Dominion School and for Grade 11 and 12 he attended the Convent of the Child Jesus in North Battleford.

Yaroslaw’s farming career began with his father. Upon his father’s passing in 1949, he became a full time farmer until retirement in 1990, at which time he moved to North Battleford.

Yaris was active in community life from an early age starting with the Ukrainian Orthodox Youth (CYMK) where he participated in drama, concerts, church choir and public speaking. He became their club leader, adjudicator and mentor for many years. Yaris became an active member in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Volodymyr and the Ukrainian National Home, Redfield-Richard district, where he held many executive positions in both organizations. He served as church Treasurer for 25 years, President 19 years and an unpaid cantor for over 30 years.

For 15 years he was the St. Volodymyr representative to the North Battleford Ukrainian Orthodox Church District Council and was President of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church District Council for four years. Yaris helped to organize the North Battleford branch of Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (TYC) and was their Charter President. He also was a supporter of the Saint Petro Mohyla Institute at Saskatoon and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

They adopted two children, Joanne and Clinton, and while the children were growing up, he assisted in their local 4-H Beef club. He was a self-taught veterinarian and assisted many neighbours in the community with his veterinarian skills.

His other involvement includes: school trustee for the Dominion School for many years, a Director of the Richard Rural Telephone Company for five years, delegate for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool for 13 years, Councillor for the R.M. of Douglas for 8 years, Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Hatherleigh community pasture for 19 years and a volunteer at the North Battleford Branch of the Western Development Museum.

Yaris married Mary Sopotyk in 1952 and was widowed in 1975. In 1990 he married Mary Saranchuk. Yaris passed away on May 19, 2003

Vera Nadia (Dorosh) Labach
b. April 19, 1940 (Yellow Creek, SK)

Vera Labach was born in Yellow Creek, Saskatchewan to Mykola and Maria Dorosh. In her earlier years, Vera was involved in the Ukrainian Orthodox youth organization (CYMK), 4-H Club, Ukrainian dance and choir. In 1957 the family moved to Saskatoon where she completed Grade 12. She attended the Saskatoon Teacher’s College and later the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) where she received her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts and Science.

Vera taught in the Lanigan School Unit (1959-61) and Saskatoon Public School Unit (1964-65) and taught Ukrainian and Christian Ethics at E.D. Feehan High School (1979-84). From 1976 to 1987 Vera was a sessional lecturer with the U of S Department of Slavic Studies where she taught Ukrainian. She co-authored Ukrainian 101 and 102 students’ texts and was a group leader for the Student Exchange with Ukraine in 1987. In the U of S College of Education she taught classes in Methods of Teaching Ukrainian. Vera made an immeasurable contribution to teaching Ukrainian through her extensive work as a seconded Ukrainian Language Development Consultant with the Saskatchewan Department of Education from 1984 to 1998. She acted as a facilitator, presenter, organizer and development team member on numerous Ukrainian language curriculum projects and several Canada-Ukraine projects. She prepared an audio-lingual beginners Ukrainian Language Program for Adults and conducted numerous training sessions on Mova i Rozmova

Vera was a founding member of the Mohyla Institute Summer School Program and Ukrainian Sadochok. She was editor of Tema and member of the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers, Manitoba Modern Languages Association, Alberta Modern Languages Association, Ukrainian Educational Council – Central Diocese, Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages, Saskatchewan Multicultural Advisory Council, and the Canadian Friends of RUKH – Saskatchewan Council. Vera generously donated time to Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council on their Education Committee, Konkurs Selection Committee and Nation Builders Committee and to Ukrainian Orthodox parishes in Saskatoon as a Ukrainian language teacher.

Currently, Vera is a member of Saskatchewan Teachers’ Association, Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC) – Saskatoon Branch, UWAC Saskatchewan Provincial Council Executive and Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

In 1992 Vera received the Commemorative Medal on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada and in 1998 the Saskatchewan Education Service Award.

Emelia Vera (Waschuk) Panamaroff
b. May 20, 1935 (Saskatoon, SK)

Born and educated in Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan, Emelia has been a practising accountant in Saskatoon. Involvement in church, church organizations and the larger community has been important and the catalyst for rewarding experiences. A lifelong member of St. George’s Cathedral Parish, she served on the Parish Council and on the Ukrainian Catholic Council of Saskatchewan. She served at all levels of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC) since joining it in 1969: Co-President of the local branch to, lastly, Cultural Chairperson on the National Executive.

Emelia conducted workshops on embroidery, pysanky writing, woodburning and traditional cooking, taught ridna shkola plus adult conversational Ukrainian, and assisted with Sadochok. Since 1969 she has volunteered with Musйe Ukraina Museum, Saskatoon and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees, 1983 to 2001 and is presently the CEO of the museum. She was instrumental in developing the museum’s computerized inventory system and Web site.

She held various leadership positions on the Board of Camp Easter Seals, Soroptimist International, Cultural Chairperson, Vesna Festival Board, Rushnychok Dance Ensemble, Block Parents Association, and Folkfest’s Kyiv pavilion since its inception.

While on the Eparchial Executive, her idea of "a box at the back of the church to collect aspirins, etc. for Ukraine" accelerated to The Gift of Hope-Chernobyl Relief Fund which she co-chaired, collected and distributed over $4.5 million in goods, cash and equipment in Ukraine. As a result of the campaign and her trips to Ukraine, she recognized the need for aid for children in orphanages and impoverished homes. Given the difficulties with direct adoptions from Ukraine, she established a Foster Children’s Plan which grew so quickly it amalgamated with Child Care International for administrative coordination. It surpassed all expectations. Now foster parents from Canada and the USA sponsor over 700 children in Ukraine. This has been the highlight of her life. In 1994, for her work, dedication and belief in the aims of the UCWLC and for addressing social issues in Ukraine and at home, she was awarded the "Extra Ordinary Humanitarian Award" by the UCWLC, Eparchy of Saskatchewan.

In 2001 she received the UCWLC’s highest honour, that of Honorary Life Member. In 2002 she was awarded the "Queen’s Golden Medal" for outstanding contributions to her community.

The daughter of Onufrey and Sophia (Woytowich) Waschuk, she’s married to George Panamaroff. They have two children, Daniel and Tanya.

Dr. Zenon Stephen Pohorecky
b. April 14, 1928 (Western Ukraine)
d. December 24, 1998 (Saskatoon, SK)

Zenon was born in Western Ukraine to Maria and Michael Pohorecky. Zenon’s contributions were through his profession of archaeology, his Ukrainian community involvement and his gifts as artist and writer. His dynamic and inspirational style motivated a diverse community of professional colleagues, native representatives and ethnic associations in reinterpreting multiculturalism, ethnicity and human rights.

Zenon’s attributes were rooted in a caring Ukrainian home and community broadened by education at three universities: Manitoba, Toronto and California (Berkley), where his 1964 Ph.D. was acquired through an award from the Canada Council Doctoral Foundation. As the invited founding professor of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan, he spent 30 years developing novel courses, publishing copiously and lecturing enthusiastically. He initiated projects in Saskatchewan, Mexico, Europe and Ukraine, in areas ranging from rock art, to historic restorations, to development of audio-visuals. His prolific research on ethnology, history, language and archaeology was relative to diverse groups, but especially, Ukrainians and aboriginals.

Zenon’s artistic pursuits were lifelong, joyous and inspirational, with his works still being published for schools and appearing in many forms and publications. The University of Manitoba recognized Zenon with their Junior Executive Award for his prolific artistic contributions. Zenon helped inspire William Kurelek and was one of Allan Sapp’s mentors. His artwork appears internationally. Saskatoon sports street banners and wall murals produced by him and his artist wife, Stefania. The poster he prepared for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon millennium celebrations on Christianization of Ukraine hangs in Saskatoon, Rome and Lviv. His most outstanding work, size and content wise, is his Canada’s Ukrainian Centennial Mural. It received broad exposure from 1991-1996, throughout Canada and Ukraine, where it currently remains.

Zenon Pohorecky’s most significant contributions to the Ukrainian community were his vision and organizational skills. His appointment to Sask Sport increased funding for organizational, educational and cultural projects. He subsequently participated in having the provincial council for the Ukrainian Canadian Committee/Congress (UCC-SPC) access lottery funds, which ultimately paid for an office that oversees organizational and program development in the province. The UCC-SPC subsequently influenced the appointments of a number of significant positions as well as the development of university exchange programs and events in both Canada and Ukraine.

An inspiration to many, Zenon was also an involved family man.

George Skwarchuk, SVM
b. March 15, 1921 (Springside, SK)
December 20, 2002 (Yorkton, SK)

George Skwarchuk, born in the Springside/Drobot district of Saskatchewan to Wasyl’ and Annie Skwarchuk, received his elementary education at North Lake School and high school at Springside and Yorkton. He obtained his B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan and a Local Government Administration certificate from the University of Regina.

Mr. Skwarchuk’s teaching career spanned 40 years. He taught near Buchanan, was Principal of the Mikado elementary and high school, Vice-Principal and Principal of the Yorkton Composite High School and the Yorkton Regional High School, teaching social studies, mathematics, English and Ukrainian. George was active in the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and the Yorkton Teachers’ Association.

George served the Boy Scout movement for 26 years as leader, Venturer advisor, district commissioner, and other capacities. He headed Saskatchewan’s Queen Scouts to the World Jamboree in Idaho in 1967.

Mr. Skwarchuk served the Ukrainian Canadian community as President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Yorkton Branch, member of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (TYC) Yorkton Branch since 1950 and on committees including President for many years and on the Provincial and National TYC Executives (President, Provincial TYC for two terms). He was a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Yorkton. He served on the Mohyla Institute, Ukrainian Museum of Canada and two church camp Boards.

George vigorously supported Yorkton through membership, since 1948, in Kinsmen and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, executive positions with the Yorkton United Commercial Travelers (UCT) and the UCT Prairie Council. He was a coach, Director and Manager of the Yorkton Minor Hockey and Baseball Associations. George was President of the local Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance. He held Board and committee positions with the Canadian Cancer Society. George was Chairman of Yorkton’s Canada Birthday Committee (1985), member on the Parks, Recreation and Culture Board, member of the Yorkton Development Committee, the Yorkton Anderson Lodge, Housing Corporation and others.

George was an ardent member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church participating in the choir, Sunday School, Ukrainian School, the Executive plus many committees.

George received numerous awards from the Ukrainian Canadian and the larger Canadian communities including the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2000.

George married Slawka (Sally) Cymbalisty in 1952 and they were blessed with five children, Joan, Beverly, Donna, Ronald and Nancy.

Lillian (Koroluk) Steranko
b. January 11, 1923 (Canora, SK)

Lillian Steranko was born in Canora, Saskatchewan to Metro and Katherine Koroluk. She attended Lake Helen School north of Hyas. She furthered her education and received her Grade XII Ukrainian through the Saskatchewan Correspondence School.

One of her elementary school teachers was very musically talented. This helped Lillian receive a good foundation in singing, playing instruments and Ukrainian dancing. Because of her musical abilities Lillian was asked to perform at many social functions and concerts.

In 1942 Lillian moved to Winnipeg to seek employment where she worked at a dress factory. While there she joined the Ukrainian community choir and, as a result, received additional voice training.

At an early age Lillian became a proficient seamstress. She also cross-stitched extensively. Her other talents included elaborate and unique wedding cake decorating and the fine art of writing pysanky and baking Easter breads. Some of her beautiful wedding cakes have travelled to Edmonton and Toronto.

In 1973 Lillian started directing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Choir in Stenen with four-voice singing. Later she taught a combined choir from Norquay, Hyas, Stenen, Sturgis and Endeavour. In addition to church choral music, she taught concert music. Her choirs have performed in many communities. The highlight of her choral activities occurred in 1988 when she participated with a 600-person choir at the Copps Coliseum, Hamilton on the occasion of the millennium celebrations of Christianity in Ukraine.

In addition to working with choirs, Mrs. Steranko has committed herself to virtually every aspect of maintaining the Ukrainian customs and traditions. She has taught Ukrainian language classes and dancing, Easter egg decorating, cantoring and singing. She and her students have appeared on television on a number of occasions.

Over the years, Mrs. Steranko has served on many cultural and service club committees. In 1981 the Stenen Barveenok Dance Club was formed and has continued successfully since with her as President from its inception.

An ardent community minded person, Lillian is a member of the Sturgis Legion Ladies and Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC). Her work has been acknowledged by Metropolitan Wasyly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and the UWAC.

In 1944 Lillian married Peter Steranko and they were blessed with two sons, Ron and Steven.

Mary (Matlock) Usick
b. August 25, 1914 (Lumsden, SK)

Born in 1914 in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, to Peter and Ann Matlock, Mary received her elementary education in Lumsden and high school in Regina.

At an early age Mary developed a determination to promote her Ukrainian heritage. She began her activism within the Regina Ukrainian community upon moving as a teenager to Regina with her family. Mrs. Usick took an active part in the Ukrainian Canadian Youth Association (CYMK) and was President of the Regina branch for five years in the 1930s. In 1941 she became an active member of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC), Regina branch, serving on the executive in various capacities and President for eleven years. Mary served as Vice-President of the Provincial Executive in the mid 1980s.

Mary was one of the first women members on her church executive, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Descent of the Holy Ghost. Mrs. Usick was also President for three years of the Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Committee (UCC) which she helped establish.

Some of Mary’s other community activities included representing the UWAC Regina to Promin, the journal of the UWAC, for five years and the Ukrainian Museum for about 20 years.

In her senior years, she remained active in the Ukrainian community facilitating many projects of the Ukrainian Seniors of Regina and was President for a number of years. One of her main objectives was to aid the less fortunate Ukrainians in Ukraine and Brazil. In 1999 the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League of Canada awarded Mrs. Usick the Award of Excellence for her contribution to the organizational, cultural and social life of Regina’s Ukrainian community.

In Regina’s mainstream community, Mrs. Usick pursued her goal of showing Ukrainian culture in a most positive light. On behalf of the Ukrainian community, for many years, she canvassed for the Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation, March of Dimes, Mental Health, Multiple Sclerosis, UNICEF and United Way. A longtime member of the Regina Council of Women and director of the Regina Multicultural Council, she promoted her Ukrainian culture by proudly displaying Ukrainian artifacts at their numerous events. In recognition of her contribution to the improvement of people’s lives in her community, she received the Wheat Sheaf Pin, a Citizenship Court Certificate for Voluntarism in 1994 and Honourary Recognition for her involvement with the Regina Multicultural Council in 1982.

In 1942 she married William Usick.

Senator Paul Yuzyk
b. June 24, 1913 (Pinto, SK)
d. July 9, 1986

Paul Yuzyk, born in Pinto, Saskatchewan to Martin and Katherine Yuzyk, attended elementary and high school in Saskatoon and in 1932-33 the Saskatoon Normal School (teacher training). He taught school in the Hafford area from 1933-42. He served in the Canadian Army during WW II. He received from the University of Saskatchewan a B.A. in Mathematics and Physics (1945), B.A. Honours in History (1947), an M.A. in History (1948), and an L.L.D. (1977). In 1951 he received a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and in 1981 a Ph.D. from the Ukrainian Free University in Munich, Germany.

Dr. Yuzyk taught history at the University of Manitoba (1951-1963) and at the University of Ottawa (1968-1978). His studies and research centred on Slavic and Ukrainian history.

Dr. Yuzyk published the following books: The Ukrainians of Manitoba, 1953 and 1977; Ukrainian Canadians, 1967; and the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Canada, 1981. He contributed to other books, and wrote numerous articles. He was a Director of the organization that published the Ukraine: A Concise Encyclopedia.

Dr. Yuzyk was instrumental in several organizations, including: founder and first President of the Ukrainian National Youth Federation (1934-36) and editor of its monthly magazine Youth Speaks (1948-49); founder of the Ukrainian Canadian University Students’ Union (1953); National Treasurer of the Ukrainian Canadian Committee (1952-55); founder and first Secretary Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Slavists (1954-56), and founder and first President of the Progressive Conservative Club of Ukrainian Canadians (1958).

For his public involvement and support of the Ukrainian Canadian community, Dr. Yuzyk received many awards including: the keys to the City of Detroit (1964), the City of Buffalo (1966) and the City of Rochester (1976); the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967; the Shevchenko Gold Medal in 1968; the City of Sudbury Gold Medal in 1968; the Manitoba Centennial Medal in 1970; the Toronto Ukrainian Canadian Gold Medal in 1973; the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977; the Order of Estonia in 1982; and the Knight-Commander, Order of St. Gregory the Great in 1983.

In 1963 Dr. Yuzyk was appointed to Canada’s Senate by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker where he was instrumental in shaping Canada’s policy on Multiculturalism.

Paul Yuzyk married Mary Bahniuk on July 12, 1941 and they were blessed with four children.