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The Canora Courier 07 November 2007
CYMBALISTY HOLODNIUK HRYWKIW KALMAKOFF LUDBA MAKOWSKY MAKOWSKY MALOWANY MALOWANY PROKEPETZ SWIDERSKI
Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 11 Remembering
a soldier who fought for us
Louis Swiderski, a Rama farm boy, was involved in two of the worst
battles of the Second World War and he never returned from the second one. He is buried in a Canadian military
cemetery in Brettevillesur-Laize, France. In the 63 years since he made the
supreme sacrifice, his name is seldom mentioned and the community can no
longer put a face to the name. However, through the efforts of his niece,
Julia Matsalla of Yorkton, his story is being told and the community can
honour one of its sons. She was only about a year old when he died and never knew her uncle, Louis Swiderski. Yet, she can recall the heartbreak when her father, Anton, received news that his little brother had been killed. As she grew up, her father often spoke about him and she recalls seeing Swiderski's medals and photograph around the house. But time passed, life unfolded and memories faded. Several
years ago, Matsalla began corresponding with the National Archives and the
Department of National Defence and she was able to compile many of the
official records regarding her uncle. "Having those papers in my
hand made it so personal - all of sudden he was a real person," she said.
Now she feels a close connection to an uncle she never knew. Born on March 16, 1916 in the Rama
district to Michael and Mary Swiderski, Louis was their fourth child. He had a
tough life growing up. His mother died during childbirth when he was 10
leaving his father to raise eight children. The baby died only months later. Worked in a coal mine Swiderski came of age during the
Depression years and the boys took whatever work they could to help support
the family. He was only a teenager when he went
to work in a coal mine near Bienfait. When the Second World War started, he
told his family he was enlisting because the wages were better. His father
died in 1939, never knowing his son's fate. Matsalla's father, Anton, was the
eldest of the children and was responsible for raising his siblings. Swiderski signed up on September
29, 1939 in Weyburn with the A Company of the South Saskatchewan Regiment.
Initial training was at Camp Shilo and by October of 1940, the regiment was
moved to Toronto where it joined the 61 Canadian Infantry Brigade which left
Canada on December 16, 1940. Training continued while the Allied forces
gathered in defence of England. During the first part of 1942, the brigade
underwent rugged assault training along the south coast and on August 18, 1942
came the orders to board two ships headed to Dieppe. First battle was in Dieppe In his first exposure to battle,
Swiderski lived through the bloodiest fighting and the heaviest losses by
Canadian forces to that point in the war. More than 340 Canadians were killed
and many others endured the rest of the war as prisoners. The badly bruised brigade was
brought back to England and trained for the next two years for an even greater
battle. Though is was unknown to the common soldier, they were being trained
for the D-Day invasion in Normandy. When the time came, the South
Saskatchewan Regiment was not ordered into France with the first wave on June
6, 1944. Instead the regiment was trained to lead the attack after Allied
forces gained a foothold in France. During July 7 and 8, the regiment landed
in Courselles to find that the frontline had not moved much during the first
month of fighting. The initial push was stopped near
Caen and just south, the Verriéres Ridge was a major objective of D-Day
invasion forces. The ridge overlooks the broad plains south of Caen, and
dominates the countryside between Caen and Falaise. The Canadian infantry and
a Canadian armoured brigade were sent in. Controversial battle In what later gained distinction as
one of the most controversial battles of the war, the South Saskatchewan
Regiment led the way up the Verriéres slopes while the heavily-fortified
German army, complete with elements of the 12th and 9th SS Panzer Divisions,
waited at the top. It was three days of hell on the grassy slopes before the
Canadian were forced to pull back or face total annihilation. It was on the
second day, July 20, that Private Louis Swiderski went missing. He was later
counted as one of the 66 Canadian infantry men killed, 46 of whom were from
the South Saskatchewan Regiment. There were 116 soldiers wounded and 26 had
been taken prisoner. The battle was controversial
because it seemed like a suicide mission for the Canadians for no real
purpose. Even German history does not put particular significance on Verriéres
Ridge. However, Canadians can take some
comfort from the argument made by several historians, that Canada's sacrifice
tied down the German Panzer Corps, which allowed the American's powerful
breakout offensive on the right flank, which was completed four days later. Swiderski, who was 28 years old
when died, was buried at the St. Martin de Fontenay cemetery. In 1946, Canada
had the fallen Canadian soldiers exhumed and reburied at the
Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. The cemetery contains
predominantly Canadian soldiers killed during the late stages of the Battle of
Normandy. It is located in the Calvados commune, near Caen and Falaise in
lower Normandy. In her family's correspondence with
National Defence, Matsalla found questions about the circumstances of his
death, but the army never provided any details. $1,800 for family Though Swiderski never wrote a
will, one of his letters demonstrates the thought of being killed was never
far from his mind. In a letter dated February 1, 1944 to his sister, Antonia
Ollinik, he wrote. "I haven't never told you about my pay. I got $900 in
my pay book as deferred pay so if some day I get killed or something happens
to me, don't forget to ask the government for that pay." He concluded
with a joke, "But don't wish for me to pass away as soon as possible I
hope." Added to his deferred pay was the
War Service Gratuity paid when a soldier died. In total, about $1,800 was
divided among several siblings. It wasn't until 1949 that
Swiderski's campaign medals were sent out. The medals which included: the
1939-45 Star, the France-Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the 1939-45 War
Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and clasp were framed in a
shadow box and displayed proudly in the home where Matsalla grew up. After her father died, she lost
track of the medals for a few years. Now she has only three medals of the set
remaining. She has tried to get copies of medals from National Defence but was
told that service was available to only immediate family members. Lake Swiderski In recent years, Matsalla
discovered the tradition of naming geographical locations in honour of fallen
soldiers. It was an emotional experience to find that Swiderski Lake, located
southwest of La Ronge and northwest of Prince Albert, was named in honour of
her uncle. Now that she is retired, Matsalla
wants to take a trip north to see the lake, but her heart is also set on
making the trip to France to visit the grave site. While she admits that the research
has likely meant more to her than the rest of her relatives, she has noted the
interest they take in the documents she has compiled. During a reunion last
year, remembering a little-known uncle became a family affair. As a sidenote, her brother is also
named Louis Swiderski. He was born at the beginning of September in 1944, only
days after their father received the dreaded news. The new baby was named
Louis in memory of their uncle. Her brother Louis still lives on the land originally homesteaded by their grandparents. During the family reunion, the family was presented with a heritage award recognizing a century that the Swiderskis lived on the original homestead. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 15 – In memory of: Martin Makowsky
Husband, father, grandfather who
passed away November 11, 2006 There will always be heartache and often many tears. But precious memories are cherished of the days when you were here. We will hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our
lives until we meet again. -Forever loved and sadly missed, Shirley, Marsha & Paul, Erin & Murray, Ksenya & Tanissa. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 16 – In memory of: MAKOWSKY:
In loving memory of Martin, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, who passed
away November 11, 2006. He had a nature you could not help
loving, And a heart that was purer than
gold; And to those who knew him and loved
him, His memory will never grow cold. -Forever in our hearts, Alvin, Bernice and family; John, Thelma and family. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 16 – In memory of: MALOWANY,
Wasyl: October 17, 1928 - November 11, 2005. We thought of you with love today, But this is nothing new; We thought of you yesterday, And the day before that too. Our hearts still ache with sadness, And secret tears still flow; For what it meant to lose you, No one will ever know. They say time heals all sorrow, And helps us to forget; But time has only shown, How much we miss you yet. To us you were so special, What more is there to say; Except to wish with all our hearts, That you were here today. -Your loving wife Irene and children. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 16 – In memory of: CYMBALISTY:
In loving memory of a dear husband, dad, gido and great-gido, Peter, November
6, 2005. You toiled so hard for those you
loved, Your spirit flew before we knew, Your work on earth was done. We miss you now our hearts are
sore, As time goes by we miss you more; Your loving smile, your gentle
face, No one can fill your vacant place. Your life was love and labour, Your love for family true; You did the best for all of us; We will always remember you. -Sadly missed by wife Vikkie, Bonnie, Dennis, Debbie and families. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 16 – In memory of: PROKOPETZ,
William: In loving memory of our dear husband, dad, grandfather and
great-grandfather, who passed away November 6, 2006. Our lives go on without you, But nothing is the same; We have to hide our heartaches, When someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent the tears that fall; Living our lives without you, Is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, Your heart was kind and true; And when we needed someone, We could always count on you. The special years will not return, When we were all together; But with the love within our
hearts, You will walk with us forever. -Lovingly remembered, Mary and family. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 16 – In memory of: MALOWANY,
Wasyl: October 17, 1928 - November 11,2005. You had a smile for everyone, You had a heart of gold; You left the sweetest memories, This world could ever hold. To us you were so special, What more is there to say; Except to wish with all our hearts, That you were here today. You never failed to do your best, Your heart was true and tender; You gave us all you had to give, And all of us remember. -Your grandchildren. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 17 KALMAKOFF:
Mabel S. Kalmakoff, beloved wife of the late John A. Kalmakoff of Canora
passed away peacefully at the Canora Gateway Lodge on October 29th, 2007 at
the age of 96 years. Mabel was born on October 11, 1911
on a farm near Dernic, SK to Savely and Marisha Kalmakoff, the youngest of
three children. As a young girl, Mabel attended Wolna School in the Dernic
District where she completed her Grade 8. Mabel was united in marriage to
John Kalmakoff in the Canora District on March 22, 1927 and together they were
blessed with four children. The couple farmed together north-east of Canora
for 49 years. Following the death of her husband
in February of 1976, Mabel moved from the farm into Canora. She remained
active throughout her golden years, living at home until she moved to the
Canora Gateway Lodge in March of 2007. Mabel had many interests, but above
all, she was deeply devoted to her family. She was an excellent cook, and
enjoyed making traditional Doukhobor dishes for her grandchildren. Other
interests included gardening, quilting, knitting, crocheting and bingo. She
enjoyed socializing and had many close friends. Everyone who knew her will
remember her as a very giving, hospitable and hardworking person. She will
be greatly missed. Mabel is lovingly remembered by her
son: Jack Kalmakoff of Canora; her daughter: Virginia Reilkoff of Veregin; her
fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and five great-
great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband John; her son Alex
Kalmakoff; her daughter Annette Shukin; her parents: Savely and Marisha; her
brother Jacob Kalmakoff and her sister Mary Dergousoff. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora with Keith Tarasoff of the Canora Doukhobor Society officiating. Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery with Leson's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 18 Nicholas `Nick' Holodniuk,
beloved husband of Lillian Holodniuk of Canora passed away peacefully at the
Canora Gateway Lodge with his wife by his side on October 24th, 2007 at the
age of 85 years. Nick was born on May 21st, 1922 in
the Poelcapelle district to parents Wasyl and Petrunka Holodniuk. He attended
school in the Poelcapelle district which was about a mile from where he lived.
He didn't like school very much and preferred to help on the family farm. His father Wasyl passed away
in 1944 leaving Nick, mother Petrunka, younger brother Metro and sister Minnie
alone on the farm. Nick's older siblings, Nellie, Olga, Mary and John were
already married and on their own by then. They managed as best they could to
continue farming. Metro and Minnie grew up and moved away as well. Nick soon found his lifelong
partner, Lillian Nahachewsky and they were married on October 11th, 1952 at
the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Catholic Church in Swan Plain. Nick was a
Secretary/ Treasurer of the parish for many years. Nick and Lillian made their
first home with mother Petrunka on the family homestead. Nick loved to farm in
the summer and spent the winters logging and sawing lumber with his horses.
While living in Poelcapelle they were blessed with two sons, Eugene and
Martin. In 1961, they purchased a new farm and moved to the Arabella district.
Their family still growing, God blessed them with two more sons, Wesley and
Glen. They continued farming in the Arabella district until 1977 when Nick
decided to retire and move to Canora. Eugene and Martin stayed on the family
farm and Nick was sure to come and help them when he could. In 1980, Nick took a job with
Canora Home Care which he held for five years. He was a handyman who cut grass,
trimmed trees, did minor repairs and once even had to remove curler's from an
elderly lady's hair! Nick always loved to visit family and friends, travel to
the lake on Sunday and never missed a trip to Swan River Rodeo with his children.
On June 6th, 1984 Nick experienced an enormous tragedy, the loss of his
youngest son Glen. His deep faith in God and the love of his family gave him
the courage to go on. Nick was a Gido by now who eventually came to have seven
grandchildren whom he loved very much. They will always remember how he liked
to joke and tease them. He would go bike riding or to the park with them. Nick
always wanted to show them how to build things for he so loved to work with
his hands. Reading and watching
the news were also his favourite pastimes. Family was so important to Nick.
His wife Lillian with whom he spent fifty-five years was the greatest love of
his life and his sons for whom he was so proud. In March of this year, Nick
became ill and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Nick was be sadly missed and ever
loved by his dear devoted wife Lillian; his sons: Eugene (Cheryl) Holodniuk of
Norquay, SK, Martin Holodniuk of Swan Plain, SK and Wesley (Raquel) Holodniuk
of Fort MacMurray, AB; his brothers: John Holodniuk of Norquay, SK and Metro
(Doris) Holodniuk of St. Catherines, ON; his grandchildren: Joey, Michelle,
Jeffrey, Jamie, Dayne, Kade and Saje Holodniuk. He was predeceased by his son
Glen; his parents: Wasyl and Petrunka Holodniuk; his sisters: Nellie Oucharek,
Olga Huska, Mary Nahachewsky and Minnie Pelechaty. The Prayer Service was held on
Sunday, October 28th, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on
Monday, October 29th, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. both from Sts. Peter & Paul
Ukrainian Catholic Church, Canora with Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac officiating.
Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy
may make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Sts. Peter & Paul
Ukrainian Catholic Church as tokens of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora. (563-5671). Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 18 WILLIAM HRYWKIW 1917 - 2007 On Sunday, Oct. 14th, 2007,
William Hrywkiw, formerly of Canora, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully with
his wife at his side. William was born near Tadmore,
Saskatchewan, the fifth of ten children born to Alex and Helen (Martsinkiw)
Hrywkiw. As a young man, he proudly served his country in W W II. Upon his
return to Canada after the war, he enjoyed a long and rewarding construction
career. He and his wife moved to Edmonton Alberta in 2001 to be near their
children and families. He is survived by his loving wife
Mary; five children, Dianne McLean (John), Virgil Hrywkiw (Dawn), Virginia
Wildeman (Charles), Lorrette Baynes (John) and Brent Hrywkiw (Jody); 14
grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Anna Belitski of Regina; as
well as a large extended family and many friends. William worked hard and lived life
to the fullest. He had a deep and personal relationship with Jesus, his
Saviour. This was reflected in how he lived his life... with faith, grace,
hope, generosity and love for his wife, family, friends, and community. He
will truly be missed by all who knew him...until we meet again. Funeral services and interment
were held in Edmonton on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. Donations may be made to
either the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560University
Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2 or to Norwood Palliative Hospice, #500, 9925-109 St,
Edmonton, AB TSK 2J8. The Hrywkiw family sincerely thanks those who attended the funeral as well as those who have been in contact with our family; your compassion has been a source of comfort during this difficult time. Canora Courier, November 7, 2007 Page 18 Mary
Irene Ludba, age 93 years, resident of the Canora
Gateway Lodge, passed away on October 27th, 2007. She was born in the CNR bunkhouse
in Grandview, MB on June 29th, 1914, the eldest of eight children to be born
to Nicholas and Vasilena (nee Paleczniuk) Kozak. The constant moving from
place to place, as was the life for the CN employees of the Section Crew, and
the need for her help in looking after the younger children, curtailed her
education to the basic. On November 22nd, 1931, Mary was united in marriage to
George E. Ludba, and Canora became their home. Along with raising a family of
seven, Mary helped with the family businesses; Canora Cartage and later, Geo.
E. Ludba & Sons Construction. She was an active member for over 70 years
of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, as well as the
`Sisterhood' of the church, and the Maria Markovich Branch of the Ukrainian
Women's Association of Canada. She belonged to and worked to support the
Canora Midget Hockey Association and the Canora branch of Alanon. Also, did
her best to support her husband, George, a member of various service clubs and
organizations: A.A., Kiwanis, SUMA, Chamber of Commerce, Town Council and a
member of the Gateway Lodge Auxiliary. Mary loved life, and took great
pride in her family, home and appearance. And, in this
home, where the door was always open to everyone, the best borsht and perogies
were to be found, garden and flower beds free of weeds, and the old treadle
sewing machine going 'full-tilt' as she pumped out numerous outfits for her
grandchildren and Halloween costumes for her friends. If the machine was
quiet, then the knitting needles were clicking out booties, slippers, etc.
Mary had a remarkable memory and enjoyed telling stories about the past. This,
along with her wonderful sense of humour, will be one of the more treasured
memories of her. A loving and caring wife, mother and Baba and good friend to
many, she will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Left to cherish her memory are her
sons: Robert of Canora, Jim of Grand Forks, B.C., daughter Jeannette (Paul) Hryhoriw of Yorkton, SK;
daughters-in-law: Marilyn and Eleonor; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-one
great grandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren; brothers: John (Marie)
Kozak of Kitimat, B.C., Tony (Myrna) Kozak of Oshawa, ON and Joe (Ruth) Kozak
of Traverse Bay, MB as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was
predeceased by her husband George (1986); her parents: Nicholas (1974) and
Vasilena (1975); sons Johnny (1955), Ernie(1989), and Gene (2002); daughter
Marie (2006); sisters: Polly Gurski (1998), Anne Hrywkiw (1998) and Katherine
Hutton (2007) and her daughters-in-law Vicky (1981) and Ollie (2004). May Her
Memory Be Eternal, Vichnia Pamiat! The Prayer Service was held on
Monday, October 29th, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral
Home. Canora. The Devine Liturgy was held on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at
10:00 a.m. from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, Canora with
Rev. Fr. Mikolij Derewianka officiating. Interment followed in the Canora
Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to
the Canora Gateway Lodge Auxiliary as tokens of remembrance. in this home, where the Arrangements were endoor was open to everyone, trusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora. (563-5671). |
