Dr. Steven Ilnytzky, PhD. was born in Ukraine on October 23, 1928 and died peacefully on June 23, 2015 after suffering from dementia for several years. He leaves behind his immediate loving family, wife, Ruth and children, John (Lois) and Lesia and granddaughter, Mylan of Victoria, BC. Steve came to Canada in 1949 as a survivor and refugee of WWII. He highly valued education and worked hard to obtain several university degrees in the USA and Canada. He completed his studies with a PhD from McGill University in Entomology. Steve worked for the Federal and Provincial Ministry of Forests and retired from the Provincial Inventory Branch in 1994. Steve was happy and content being at home with family and friends. He enjoyed gardening, bee keeping, observed world and Ukrainian events and was a proficient handyman who liked helping others with their projects. He also enjoyed going to auctions, as he loved a good bargain. Steve held strong opinions and welcomed a good debate on a variety of topics. He was a patriot of his beloved Ukraine and was an active member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was also a supporter of the Ukrainian Community of Victoria. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Water View Unit at the Gorge Road Hospital for the love and care provided to Steve during the past 4 3/4 years.
A Prayer Service and Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2nd at 7 pm at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1112 Caledonia Avenue in Victoria. A Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held on Friday, July 3rd at 10 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Directors
www.mccallbros.com.
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senyk family
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Luba Macewko Dear Ruth and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We remember the kind and gentle soul your husband and father was. Luba and Raja Macewko
Edmonton, AB
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Robert and Lorraine Herchak Ruth,
Lorraine and I extend our sympathies, condolences and prayers to you , John, and Lesia on the passing of Steve, husband and father. He suffered a long time. You have endured his failing health for many years, and while it is always very sad to lose a loved one, we know that you also now can find some peace. It was a pleasure knowing Steve and having an opportunity to interact with him while he was an active member of St. Nicholas parish and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. Vichnaya pamyat!I am flying out to Ottawa early am on July 2 therefore am unavailable to attend the funeral services.
Robert Herchak
Ruth and family : Was a shock to read about Steve’s passing. Hadn’t heard about him for quite a few years now so remember him as he was, in good form. Enjoyed his company at work although it would often cost me a pipe full of tobacco. He was a true Ukrainian patriot and I learned a lot from him.. Please accept our sympathy