Joseph Elias Ewanchyna

EWANCHYNA, Joseph Elias

Joe Ewanchyna passed away on January 27, 2017 at Calgary, Alberta. Predeceased by his wife Helen and parents Wasyl and Ksenia. Survived by his devoted children Daria (Richard Taylor), Julie (Peter Chackeris), Mark (Sheryl), Cynthia (Mike Tremblay), David (Jennifer), his wonderful grandchildren Matthew, Larissa, Tamara, Peter, Michael, Stephen, Emily, Benjamin and step-grandchildren Megan and Ian. Survived by his brother Jerry (Rose), and sister Mary. Born in 1933 in Hafford, Saskatchewan where his parents farmed and then later moved with his family to Meath Park, Saskatchewan. Joe attended the University of Saskatchewan, made life-long friends while boarding at the Sheptytsky Institute and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction and a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering. He was a professional engineer who worked in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries, held senior positions with Polysar Ltd, BP Canada and Alberta Energy Company and was a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada. He greatly valued the relationships he developed through work especially his close friends with the MTC group. Joe lived for 25 years in Sarnia, Ontario, was a board member of the Sarnia/Port Huron Symphony and active on parish council with St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Joe moved with his family to Calgary, Alberta in 1981. For over 35 years, Joe was a dedicated and proud parishioner of St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church regularly serving on parish council. Joe delighted in greeting visitors to the parish and welcomed everyone with a kind word and friendly smile. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Dad was very proud of his five children who were university graduates like him. But Dido was even more proud of his eight grandchildren and two step-grandchildren and never failed to celebrate their accomplishments both big and small. Each day he set an example for his family with his work ethic, honesty, positive attitude, patience and high ideals. He was a man of strong Faith, he believed in the virtues of education and possessed a love of community. Joe was always accepting of others, generous with his time and saw the good in everyone. He was a devoted husband and shared life's adventures with the love of his life Helen. Together, they explored the world but were happiest relaxing in each other's company at the Fairmont cabin. It was here that Joe treasured visits from dear friends, hosted family troika and golf tournaments and relaxed while enjoying a good book. He will be remembered as a gentle and kind man, who put his best effort into each day and who always shared a smile and a hug with his friends and family. Friends and relatives are invited to St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903-45 Street SW) for Funeral Vigil Prayers on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 7:00pm. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:00am. Private family graveside service to follow at Edenbrook Memorial Gardens. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.evanjstrong.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Calgary Friends of UCU" to provide a scholarship in memory of Joe Ewanchyna for a student in need at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine. (Please mail to: PO Box 1362 Calgary AB T2P 2L2). Vichnaya Pamyat. May his memory be eternal. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES 403-265-1199.

Cemetery Details