Obituary of Ostap Bohdan Woyewitka

Ostap Bohdan Woyewitka passed away peacefully on April 12, 2015, his life journey coming to an end after a lengthy illness at the age of 77 years. In Vermilion, Alberta he met his soul mate Judy Helmer, formally of Viking, Alberta. They were married in 1967 and this year they would have celebrated their 48th anniversary on November 4th. He was a hard worker, a man of his word with a shy demeanor. He loved his home, his yard and cabin. When he wasn't feeding the birds, tending to his roses or checking on the progress of his tomato plants, he loved to go camping and fishing with the Prior family. He appreciated his long time friendship with Darcy, Arlene Trach and girls who showed they cared in a hundred ways. Our life was made richer when Larry, Shelly Myshak and three children moved in right across the back alley. Their door was always open for a cup of coffee and the odd beer - we shared many laughs and the odd tear. During these last few years Brian and Diane Dunn came into our lives. Brian & Ostap worked Maintaining the highways; the Dunn's have been there to lift his spirits up when he needed it most. Ostap and Judy spent many wonderful holidays in the company of Judy's sister Joyce, her husband Craig and daughter Catherine. Trips to Bright Sands, Sask, Vancouver Island and Hawaii held special meaning for Ostap. The Stewarts have been the one constants in Ostap's life. A parting never took place without a hug - his best interests were always their concern. Holiday time spent with Blake & Marylee Prior, Ed & Lil Radish, Orest & Lil Woywitka and the Armstrong family bring back many fond memories. His family always laughed about his arrival into this world on Friday August 13, 1937. It happened on the bridge north of Mannville. His parents Mike and Kate Woywitka were in a hurry to get from Slava to the Mannville Hospital but Ostap couldn't wait. Is that why they named him OSTAP? As the oldest of five children he learnt responsibility and overcoming adversity at an early age. As a teenager he worked at various jobs in and around Vermilion until he was hired by "Mix The Mover" and spent 8 years there. In 1967 he began a 29 year career as a heavy equipment operator with the Alberta Department of Highways. After privatization he spent another 7 years for TSM. He was a dedicated member of the Vermilion Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. Ostap will be remembered as a loving man who will be greatly missed by his wife Judy Woyewitka. He also leaves many Woywitka and Zalaski relatives, as well as Judy's sister Joyce, Craig, Catherine and Freda Stewart Ostap was very fortunate to receive the most amazing and compassionate care from Dr. Stewart-Hunter and his team of Nurses. Their dedication and caring helped to make Ostap's last days bearable. The amazing support Ostap has received from his family, church family, friends and colleagues in and around Vermilion has been wonderful. Ostap was a humble man who held no formal degrees, honors or positions of power. Let us remember the good times. It is hoped memories of him will make you smile or laugh and make you glad that you knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on April 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Vermilion Regional Centre with a reception to follow. If you wish to make a donation in Ostap's memory, the "Vermilion Heritage Park Project" c/o The Vermilion Seniors Centre would be appreciated.