DR. BOHDAN MEDWIDSKY
MEDWIDSKY, DR. BOHDAN September 9, 1936 - March 28, 2021 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Bohdan Medwidsky, on Sunday, March 28, 2021, the founder and benefactor of the Kule Folklore Centre and the Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. He leaves behind in sorrow his brother Dr. Wolodymyr Medwidsky (Switlana), nieces and nephews, Yaroslaw (Maritza) with Alexandra, Tanya (Jamie) with Marco, Matthew and Alexander, Tamara, Yurij (Chrystia) with Tayissa and Vera, and sister-in-law, Marichka Duncan (Dr. Stephen) with Andriy and Natalka as well as other family, friends and colleagues in Ukraine, Canada, and the U.S. Bohdan was born in Stanislaviv (now Ivano-Frankivsk), Ukraine and immigrated to Canada in the late 40's. Speaking 5 languages, the tumult of the WWII and immigration to Canada, directed him into academia. He married Ivanka Hlibowych who died at a young age early in their marriage and left the young widower to dedicate himself fully to his academic career, philanthropy, voluntarism, and community activism for which he was rewarded with many accolades. The Ukrainian language, customs and rites were the driving force behind Professor Bohdan's dedication and life's work, and he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy because his mission was to ensure that the Ukrainian culture would be preserved in Canada and available for research to the world. He touched many lives and mentored countless students and will be remembered for his compassion, humility, sharp wit and sense of humour. To his family he was affectionately known as "Stryjko Litak", for the many trips he took back to Toronto for family celebrations. One of his last words were "Trymaymosia" – let's keep holding on. This he did by holding on, to pass away peacefully on the very day of his cherished wife's birthday while listening to streamed Sunday Mass from his beloved St. George Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Edmonton. May his memory be eternal. ????? ???? ???'???! For virtual funeral information on Saturday, April 3, 2021 and donations, please visit the Cardinal Funeral web site at: https://www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com