Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Ihnatowych at the age of 83.  He died in the early morning of May 2, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario.  He is survived by his two children, sister and sister-in-law.  His daughter Ulana Gorgi with her husband Amir Gorgi and their three children, Adrian, James and Michael.  His son Markian Ihnatowych and his wife Wendy Anielski.  His sister Orysia Pawych and sister-in-law Gloria Ihnatowycz.  John was born in Bachyna, Ukraine on June 7, 1936.  He is deceased by his common law wife, Neonila Chuma and his parents Ihnat Ihnatowych and Leontyna Pychkin.  He was the second youngest sibling of 6 brothers (Teodozi, Osyp, Walter, Nikola, Orest and Danylko) and sister Orysia.

He immigrated to Canada as a young boy in 1948 first settling in Lethbridge, Alberta.  Land and opportunity brought the family to Toronto in 1950 where John took small jobs before starting his own successful business.  Jennie’s Flower Shop proudly served the Ukrainian community and loyal customers for over 30 years. As a father, he loved his Ulinka and Mako dearly. They were the pride of his life and he reveled in all of their personal and academic achievements.  Overjoyed when he became a grandfather, he was a loving Dido to his three grandsons who brought him happiness and kept him young.   Known as Voiko Ivash to his many nieces and nephews, he took pride in speaking about them and boasting about their various accomplishments.

John was best known for his athleticism and love of sport.  Winning countless trophies for soccer, tennis and volleyball, he was a force to be reckoned with on any field or court.  A natural athlete, he quickly picked up and excelled at any sport he tried, from skating to skiing to golf.  His grandchildren are already exhibiting some of his talent, which made him so proud.  John loved to laugh and tell jokes.  He will be remembered for his humour and dry wit.  John will be missed by many who knew and loved him.  He will forever live in our hearts.  Rest In Peace Dorohiy Tato, Bratu & Voiko. Vichnaia Pamiat!

With much gratitude for everyone’s sympathies, fond memories and daily prayers. In light of the current pandemic, the funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, take care of each other, create lasting happy memories and donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada if you wish.

Visitation

Date
May 06, 2020
Location
Annette Street Chapel
Time
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Memo

Provincial Covid-19 precautions limit a maximum of 10 people in the funeral home at a time. This may require visitors to wait in line for access to the building.

Service

Date
May 06, 2020
Location
Funeral Home Chapel
Time
10:00 AM
Memo

Due to Covid-19 precautions the Chapel Service will not be open to the public.

Burial

Date
May 06, 2020
Location
Park Lawn Cemetery
Time
11:00 AM
Memo

Covid-19 restrictions strictly limit those in attendance at the cemetery to a maximum of 10 people.

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May 12, 2020
Omelan and Ira
Dorohi Dity-Uliana and Markian, It is with complete disbelief and profound sadness that my dad and I learn of John’s passing! My dad feels robbed personally from paying his respects to his long time friend John! They always liked to meet to play tennis! My beloved mom showed John how to make floral arrangements after she sold Mak Florist to him. Your dad changed the name! He was exemplary in this business. We were so proud of him. I remember your father fondly! He loved his family. He was kind gracious to all whom he knew! Everyone loved John! I grew up playing with Tania, Roma, Lyalya, Marta and Danyo! Hoverla would be the place to be to play tennis against friends. These are fond memories before your time! My dad and I extend our heartfelt condolences and love to you both. We understand your grief and great loss. We loved your dad and we will miss everything about him. Eternal Loving Memory Вічна Йому Пам’ять! The Drohobycky Family🙏
May 06, 2020
Myrocia Watamaniuk
Friends with his daughter since 5th grade, I was an overly-talkative, highly emotive and endlessly present pre/teen presence in Pan Ihnatowych's house. He endured all the giggle-filled sleepovers and marathon telephone sessions a dad could take, all while running a business and trying to make deliveries. To think what he must have had to listen to makes me, now a parent myself, wish I could apologize! He never said a word. In fact, when Ulana and I decided to "grace" him with our gourmet cooking, by which I mean Hamburger Helper and a wheel of sliced tomatoes doused in Kraft Zesty Italian, he beamed and said "Diakoyu" with the enthusiasm only a dad could pull off. Rest In Peace Pan Ivan