Roman Zakaluzny

With sadness, we announce the passing of Roman Zakaluzny, in his 75th year.

Beloved husband of Irene, father to Roman Jr (Jamie), Andrew (Ivana) and Daniel. Proud grandfather to Maxym, Vera, and Walter. Brother to Ihor (Vickey) and Luba, and uncle to Derek (Tina) and David (Crescent). Predeceased by his sister Kathy. Cherished son to the late Walter and Paula.

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Roman joined the growing Ukrainian community fleeing Russian communist imperialism when his family moved to Canada. Having picked up the local vernacular of Toronto's Little Italy, Roman for decades would return from Calgary to his childhood neighbourhood, introducing his favourite sandwiches and sports bars to family and friends.

Roman's engineering career took his family to cities across the West: Winnipeg, Fort McMurray, but mostly Calgary.

A lover of travel, music, Italian food and newspapers, Roman was devoted to organization, never missing a chance to create a file folder or binder for any event, however minor, which he dutifully labeled and squirreled away. He reveled in planning vacations abroad to see the world and to see family.

A devoted sportsman, Roman adored soccer, hockey and other sports. He won soccer titles at university, but kept playing recreationally until he was too old for the Oldtimers. He coached his sons in the beautiful game, attended World Cups, Euro Cups, and billeted young players from abroad. He also supported the NHL, CIS, CFL and NLL with tickets and beers. Even in his last days, Roman was subsumed in this year's hockey playoffs, hoping a Canada-based franchise finally persevered.

Roman loved family get-togethers and the memories they created, including his and Irene's 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year. His grandchildren will miss his gift giving and his presence will be dearly missed by everyone from future Christmases, Thanksgivings and Christenings.

Above all, he supported Ukraine and Ukrainians: through the organizations in which he was a member, through travel, and through song.

A panachyda (prayers) will be held at Evan J Strong Funeral Home, 3625 12 St NE in Calgary at 5pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Funeral and interment in Oakville, ON, on a date yet to be announced.

A sincere thank you to the nurses, staff, and volunteers at Agapé Hospice and the A.J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Canada Ukraine Foundation (www.cufoundation.ca).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roman Zakaluzny, please visit our floral store.