Mr. Zenon Tatarsky

Шановна родино, Ласкаво Прошу прийняти наші співчуття з приводу смерті бл. п. Зенона. Хоч ми часто не зустрічалися, всежтаки пригадуємо Його як джентельмена, зі прємною поведінкою, притушеним гумором і коментарями. Вічна Йому пам´ять! Богдан і Ліда Шулякевич Торонто PS небіщик народився в місцевості де бл. п. Отець О. Мороз (мій пра дід) був парохом

In Memory of Zenon Tatarsky, with Love Zenon Jaroslaw Tatarsky, a native of the town of Sudova Vyshnia, found himself alone in free Europe at the age of 14 at the end of the Second World War and, despite extraordinarily di􀆯icult circumstances, managed to build a достойне, successful, and happy life in distant Canada. His life was shaped by exceptionally di􀆯icult historical times. He was born on February 27, 1930, in Sudova Vyshnia, Ukraine, to Teofil and Anastasia Tatarsky, and was the third of four children. The family lived in Sudova Vyshnia due to the appointment by the Polish government of Zenon’s father as the town and district veterinarian. He also served as director of the state meat quality inspection service and branded products with his o􀆯icial seal, the original of which was later found by Zenon’s son Roman and given to his father as a gift. Government o􀆯icials of Sudova Vyshnia were listed in Polish and French in o􀆯icial state registers, and the name of Zenon’s father appeared immediately after that of the mayor, Emil Ogla, indicating the importance of this post at the time. His father’s first choice had been the position of county veterinarian in his native region (Western Ukraine), but in 1930 he received an o􀆯er for a county position as far away as Węgrów, 100 kilometers east of Warsaw. This was a classic example of the Polish policy of Polonization. The parents accepted exile to Poland with a firm decision to raise their children in a Ukrainian patriotic spirit. Between 1930 and 1944, the Tatarsky family lived in Sudova Vyshnia, Sambir, Drohobych, and various parts of Poland, including Jarosław, where Zenon attended the Ukrainian-language Jarosław Gymnasium. In 1944, fate separated him from his parents. Zenon traveled on his own to Berlin to find his sister. Unfortunately, his parents did not manage to leave before the borders closed at the end of the war. Zenon was not able to locate his sister and eventually found himself in a refugee camp in Heidenau, Germany. After the war, while living in a displaced persons camp, he received a scholarship through the Sheptytsky Program for Ukrainian refugees and enrolled at the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium), where he earned a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. Initially, he wanted to study veterinary medicine like his father, but due to the absence of such a program, he enrolled in engineering and defended his thesis in French. In 1954, Zenon moved to Canada, where his sister was already living. He began working as a draftsman while simultaneously learning a new language for him—English. In time, he progressed to engineering work, then became a partner at engineering firms Fodor and Marshall, Macklin, Monaghan, and later the Director of Construction for the City of East York. In 1956, Zenon met his future wife, Christina, at a Plast dance. Together they created a strong and loving family, raised three sons (George, Andrew and Roman), along with favourite pets their dog Brysko and their parrot Karudo. Over time, Zenon built a successful professional career, working both in the public sector and in consulting. However, his greatest inspiration came from community service. While a deep Canadian patriot, Zenon was forever devoted to the Ukrainian cause. He was a tireless volunteer who dedicated his time and talent to many Ukrainian organizations, including Plast, the Shevchenko Scientific Society, St. Josaphat church and school, and many others. For example, Zenon engineered St. Josaphat School on Franklin Street, as well as the swimming pool and changing facilities at the Plast camp in Grafton, which are still used today by his children and his granddaughter Melania. Zenon greatly enjoyed playing bridge, sailing, camping, and discovering the world. His favorite magazine was National Geographic, and world atlases were among his most treasured books. His genuine curiosity about the world extended to foreign languages—he spoke Ukrainian, French, English, German, Polish, and Greek, and could hello, please, thank you in many others. At the age of 70, Zenon discovered a talent for writing. He wrote and published two books: “Louvain”—memoirs and an almanac of students of the Sheptytsky scholarship program for Ukrainian refugees at the University of Louvain; and “Winding Path”—his personal memoirs from childhood through emigration to Canada, which received many warm responses from readers. Those who knew him remember Zenon as an exceptionally kind and charming person with an endless sense of humor, who easily found common ground with everyone. His life path was not easy, but Zenon passed on priceless gifts to the next generations: a love for adventure, curiosity about the world, and a deep love for both Canada and for Ukraine and all things Ukrainian. Zenon is mourned by his beloved wife Christina, with whom he shared 68 years of life; his sons Yuriy, Andriy (Janet), and Roman (Christina); his grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Nicholas, Melania, and Mark; and his great-granddaughter Mikayla. The Tatarsky family thanks all who have come to honour the bright memory of Zenon Tatarsky and asks for your prayers for the repose of his soul.

Roman and family, Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father. We had the pleasure of getting acquainted with him at St. Josaphat's cathedral after Sunday masses. We will have him in our prayers.

Doroha Pani Tatarska, George and Andrew. My sincere condolences to you and your families. A while back, I was talking with Moko and we were reminiscing about our father and son canoe trip. Mychailo overheard, smiled, and said that he had heard about this trip in Kyiv. Three dads and their five (at that time teenaged sons). What wonderful times, what wonderful memories, and what amazing experiences and opportunities our parents provided for us all. Wishing you comfort in the loving memories you will hold forever in your hearts. Ihor Sokolyk

Zenon or as my dad Orest called him Vylko Zenko was great! Albeit our interactions were brief he did me a great favour by applying his knowledge of engineering! Conversations with Zenko were intriguing and always had a learning outcome. My condolences to the Tatarsky Family Alex Kozak