Obituary

On Christmas Day, surrounded by his wife and three daughters and with the resilience and fortitude that marked his life, Dr. Jaroslaw “Jerry” Workewych was reunited in Heaven with his beloved sister Iryna, dear parents Valentina and Ivan, and adored grandparents Maria and Theodor. He revelled in his role as loving father to his precious daughters Larysa, Adriana and Natalie, devoted husband to his wife Mary, and cherished son-in-law to the late Michalina Lawrin.

Born in Montreal in 1951, throughout his life he was inspired by his deep patriotism for Ukraine and his immense love of music. A talented guitarist and singer, in his youth he was a proud member of the Ukrainian band Syny Stepiv. His passion for Ukrainian music then travelled with him while he was pursuing his Masters in Physiology in Winnipeg, his Bachelor of Education in London, and his Doctor of Medicine in Toronto. He routinely enjoyed singing in Ukrainian church choirs, and treasured his time as a member of the Prut River Boys of St. Vladimir Institute for over thirty years.

A dedicated family doctor, Jerry will be remembered fondly by many patients, colleagues and friends. His love of travel was only unmatched by his passion and joy for the game of golf. Rain or shine, his favourite place to be was out on the golf course. Even when Jerry was not out on the links, his 9-iron was never too far away so he could practice his swing. He will be forever missed for his humour and heart.

The family would like to sincerely thank the many friends who came to visit and support Jerry throughout his lengthy and difficult illness. They would also like to thank the compassionate staff at Chartwell Martha’s Landing and the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre for their exemplary care and kindness.

Family will receive friends at the Cardinal Funeral Home, 92 Annette Street, Toronto on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A Panakhyda service will take place at 7:00 pm on that day. A Divine Liturgy will be held at All Saints of Ukraine, St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 1280 Dundas St. W, Oakville on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00 am. Internment will follow at St. Volodymyr Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Vichnaya Pamyat

Visitation

Date
January 02, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Annette Chapel
Time
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Memo

Panakhyda at 7pm - Please Wear A Mask

Service

Date
January 03, 2023
Location
All Saints of the Ukraine Chapel
Time
11:00 AM
Memo

Please Wear A Mask

Burial

Date
January 03, 2023
Location
St Volodymyr Cemetery
Time
 

*

January 05, 2023
Gareth Evans
Dear Mary, I am devastated to have lost my dear friend Jerry, after having lost contact for the past few years (I sent emails from Australia but had no replies). You may remember the last time I saw him on my last visit to Canada - 2010 or 2012 I think) when I visited you and the girls, stayed with his mother and retraced our steps back to visit mutual friends in London (one of our UWO colleagues informed me of Jerry's passing). The caps you bought for my young boys remain in place on my hallstand, and son Emlyn wears his proudly on special occasions. He brought huge amounts of joy into my life, and his generosity matched that of his mother and sister, who I also got to know well. I cannot help but smile at the the thought of him and our enduring friendship. You and your lovely daughters have my deepest sympathy, but we can all take comfort in having had such a wonderful man in our lives.
January 02, 2023
Marie Lytwak
Dearest Mary, My deepest and sincerest condolences. I apologize I could not be in attendance. Vichnaya Pamyat!
January 02, 2023
Olya Kuplowska
Dear Marusia and Family, Sending my deepest condolences on your loss. I have fond memories of Slawko going back to camp Werchowyna days in Quebec and more recently as a member of the Prut River Boys who entertained us at various functions at St. Volodymyr Institute. This photo captures him perfectly - always a smile on a very kind face. I will miss seeing him at future events. May he rest in eternal peace. Vichnaya Pamyat!
January 01, 2023
Maryla Workiewicz-Kwasniewska and Family
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers for the entire family. We fondly remember Jerry’s visit to Poland and Stary Sącz.
December 31, 2022
Gerry (Jaroslaw) Gudzio
Jerry was my bandmate from the Ukrainian musical group Syny Stepiw (1970-1978) We had so many good times together in those precious eight years in Montreal. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Vichnaya Pamyat.
December 30, 2022
Larissa & Peter Bayrachny
Dear Marusia, Larysa, Adriana & Natalie, What sad news! We are so very sorry for your loss. He will be fondly remembered. May your memories give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏻 Вічная Пам’ять! Hugs to you, Larissa & Peter
December 30, 2022
Emily (Milya) Bayrachny
Dear Workewych Family, Sending my deepest condolences and prayers during this difficult time. Вічная Память.
December 30, 2022
Nathan Snyder
As a colleague, I will always remember our weekly medical education dinner meetings. By habit, we usually sat in the same place and Jerry was inevitably across the table from me. Never did Jerry fail to bring a joke, a funny story or a unique commentary . Indeed, his tales were often the highlight of the evening. It has been a few years now since I have attended the Piatto’s evenings but people like Jerry you do not forget.
December 30, 2022
Brian Krist
Jerry was a very special Man. His smile, warmth, and sense of humour will be missed by all. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss.
December 29, 2022
Tania Filbry
Having worked with Dr. Workewych for many years I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to the entire family. He was such a funny guy and he will be missed. RIP
December 29, 2022
Roman Karpyszyn
My deepest condolences to the whole family Jerry was an old friend and will be missed.RR
December 28, 2022
Czerepaniak family Anastasia, adrian , eva and mirko
vichna pamyat!!! sorry for the loss of such a special person...
December 28, 2022
ADRIENNE KULYK (Eva's mom)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. 🙏 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
December 28, 2022
Eva Kulyk (from Larysa's Plast hurtok)
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.