Obituary of Yaroslaw KOSTUR

YAROSLAW KOSTUR It is with deep and profound sadness to announce the passing of Yaroslaw (Slawko) Kostur at Seven Oaks Hospital on February 13, 2011 at the age of 63. Slawko was predeceased by his parents Myroslaw and Josephata Kostur and his parents-in-law John and Belle Kisiow. His memory will be forever cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Elaine of 26 years. They married October 27, 1984 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral followed by a beautiful reception at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Slawko will be sadly missed by his dear niece Cindy Kostur and her son Andr�, his dear sister-in-law Karen Kisiow, his aunt Olga Kostur of Toronto, and his cousins Roman (Susana) of Florida and Orest of Vancouver. He also leaves numerous life long friends and Elaine's many relatives, when he married Elaine he became an honourary member of the "Moroz", "Kozminchuk" and "Eyjolfson" families. Roman Kostur and his children Jolene, Jason, Roman, Roman and Sandy survive him. Slawko was born in Austria on May 19, 1947. The Kostur Family left Europe for a better life in Canada and on June 4, 1949 they arrived at Pier 21, Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Greek liner Nea Helas. Like many Ukrainian families who fled the devastation and suffering of World War II, their destination was Manitoba. His parents settled in North Winnipeg, where they quickly found employment and became active members of the Ukrainian religious and cultural community. They gave their son the gift of intellectual and political debate, the enjoyment of art and literature, an appreciation and respect for his Ukrainian heritage, and love for Canada. He was a passionate Canadian and a proud member of the Pier 21 Alumni, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Slawko participated in Ukrainian youth organizations, attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School, Isaac Newton Junior High and St. John's High schools and was a member of Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. It was a very proud day for his parents when their son graduated from the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Manitoba. His relationship with the University did not end upon graduation. His career would span many years with that institution, beginning at the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. He worked with the Faculty of Dentistry, and then with Information Services and Technology as an accomplished photographer and computer graphic artist. This is where he met his life long and trusted friends Dennis Greswell and Wayne Foster. His creativity, talent, eye for perfection, and friendly smile won him the respect of his colleagues and clients. In 2000, Slawko was honored by the University for 25 years of service. When he retired in 2003 he freed himself from routine and began a new chapter in his life - he threw out his watch and learned to polka! He met each day with anticipation and his interests were diverse - Photography, computers, classic movies, Ukrainian festivals and dances, CKJS "Zabava Hour", fine wine and food, tasty scotch, cats and travel. As a young man he travelled through Europe but always said Canada was the best place in the world to live! A very special place was Pier 21 in Halifax where he and Elaine retraced the steps his parents took when they arrived in Canada. Slawko will be remembered as a devoted husband, a trusted, caring and helpful friend and neighbour and a man of principle and integrity. He had a big smile and welcoming handshake. He placed great value on hard work and self-respect and surrounded himself with happy, positive thinking family and friends. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. Interment to follow at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Slawko's memory may go to a Winnipeg Animal charity or to the Shevchenko Foundation, 202-952 Main St., Wpg., MB R2W 3P4. Slawko Thank you for your love! Thank you for loving my Saskatchewan! Just remember what Albert said: "Now I ride the bus alone, you just got off before me." Forever, your loving and devoted wife Elaine and Petal, Rajh and Theo