Obituary

It   is   with  deep  sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Daddy/Dido, Eugene (Yewhen) Kushny. Born on August 11, 1929, to Eustace and Euvdophia Kuschnyj in Drohobych, Ukraine, Eugene was predeceased by his brother, Roman; sister, Luba Wowk; and his much-adored sweetheart, Alice "Lash," the love of his life. Eugene was a devoted and loving father to Alicia Wiedemann (John), Donna Simpson (John) and James (Helen); an extremely proud Dido to Yvonne (Sam), John Kalvin (Keely), Jonah, Joshua, Edith and Hazel; and adoring PraDido to Winter Rose, Forest, Sammy, Ella and Sofia.

Eugene's life was by no means an easy one. He lost his mother at the young age of three. When WWII broke out in Ukraine, his family was dispersed. Luba was sent to Australia, and his father to London. Eugene was devastated when he was told he could not stay with his brother, Roman, who was conscripted and at age 13 was put on a train alone to Austria. It broke his heart that Roman was lost at war without record. Eugene was taken in by a kind family in Graz for the next six years, and in 1948, came to Canada as a railroad worker with a few dollars in his pocket. Determined to make a new life for himself, he gained employment as a logger in northern Ontario and saved enough money to come to Toronto. Eugene worked his way through departments at Simpsons Ltd., eventually becoming head drapery installer and establishing his own company.

Eugene had a passion for adventure and the outdoors, which he passed along to his children; taking them every weekend either skiing, horseback riding, fishing, golfing, and camping during the summers to Cape Cod.

Together with my mom, Dad created a beautiful home for us to grow up in, filled with love, support, guidance and wisdom. All those who entered felt their warmth. Even in his final hours, Dad's smile lit up the room, he used every ounce of strength to convey his love for us all. Despite many adversities, Dad stayed positive and never complained. He is a role model for his family and has left a legacy of love. Daddy, we know Mommy has been waiting for you and you are both now cuddling in heaven. We love you tons!

See you later Alligator. oxo

Visitation

Date
December 10, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home - Annette Chapel
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
December 10, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home - Annette Chapel
Time
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Memo

Prayers to be performed at 7:30 PM

Service

Date
December 11, 2023
Location
St. Josephat's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
Time
10:00 AM

Burial

Date
December 11, 2023
Location
Prospect Cemetery
Time
11:30 AM
Memo

Burial time is an estimate

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December 06, 2023
Lisa Lawson
Dearest Donna, James, Alicia & family, So sorry to hear about your Dad. He & your mom were so inspiring as a couple & as parents. I’m eternally appreciative they welcomed me & Roger to the family. Uncle Gene was so compassionate to your & my hurdles. I had a flashback of him gladly picking us up from Ukrainian school in his signature station wagon, & him being impressed & cheered up by Donna’s lighthouse painting on his 50th birthday. God bless Uncle Gene & you all. Love, Lisa, Roger, Miles&Ava
December 05, 2023
Lee & Mike Simpson & family
Dear Donna, John, Jonah & Josh; We were saddened to hear of the passing of Eugene. An amazing man, Husband, Father, Father in Law, and loving Dido. Please know we are all thinking of you during this time of loss. May all your memories of him be a wonderful blessing during this time of loss and grief. We are all here for you! Simpsons North, Mike, Lee, Sam & Veronika Simpson