Dmytro Cipywnyk, C.M., M.D.

With profound sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Dmytro Cipywnyk, C.M., M.D., 75, in Saskatoon, SK on Sunday, March 9, 2003.

He is survived by his loving wife Maura; son Paul (Yumi), Burnaby; daughter Raissa (Bill) Choi, Los Angeles; and grandchildren Raya & Benjamin Choi. He leaves sisters Dorothy Cherewick, Matilda Allison & Iris Feist, brother Bohdan (Naddie) Cipywnyk, and many nephews, nieces and their children. He was predeceased by his father Panteleymon (’62), mother Anna (’94), brother Paul (’52), and brothers-in-law Pat Feist, Bill Allison, Bill Cherewick & Harry Papish.

An active community leader, doctor, educator, promoter of multiculturalism, and supporter of educational and charitable causes, he will be best remembered for his gentle humanity, empathy, and kindness. His sensitivity to others, and willingness to listen and help, earned him the respect and affection of people from all walks of life. Throughout his years, from breaking the soil, to resuming an interrupted education as an adult, to assuming positions of responsibility at the local, provincial, national and international levels, he never lost touch with his roots, his extended family, his many friends, and his community.

Completing primary education near Brooksby, SK, and high school in Winnipeg, Dmytro received his Bachelor of Arts (’55) from the University of Saskatchewan, Master of Science (’57) from McGill University, Doctor of Medicine (’63) from the U. of S., and Fellow in Social and Community Psychiatry (’71), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx State, NY.

Beginning his career as a family doctor in the mid-60s, he was an Assistant and Associate Professor with the Department of Psychiatry at the U. of S. from 1971-1992. He was Director of Rehabilitation at the Saskatchewan Alcoholism Commission, and Medical Director, Saskatchewan Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. Throughout his career, he headed and served on various associations and committees, among them the Saskatchewan Psychiatric Association, Canadian Addictions Foundation, and the Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences. In conjunction with solidifying the independence of Ukraine, he was appointed to the Canadian Society for International Health -- Partners in Health Advisory Committee (Ukraine).

Dmytro was committed to the betterment of the Ukrainian community. He served as president of his local church and was a director of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. He also served terms as president of the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Council and the National Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Ukrainian World Congress. Most recently, he was chair of the Advisory Committee on Saskatchewan-Ukraine relations and co-chair of the Prairie Centre for Ukrainian Heritage. He served the Canadian Ethnocultural Council as board member and president, and sat on the University of Saskatchewan Senate and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.

In recognition of his significant contributions to society, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (’92), received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada (’92), the UCC Centennial Bronze Medal for Community Service (’92), the Shevchenko Medal (’95), an Honorary Doctorate in Canon Law from St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg (’95), Special Recognition from President Leonid Kuchma for contributions to the development of Independent Ukraine (’97), the International Association of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs Golden Trident Prize (’97) and the 1998 Nation Builders Award from the UCC Saskatchewan Provincial Council. In 2002, he received the Queen’s 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Order "For Merit" of Ukraine.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., and a Funeral Service on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 10:00 a.m., both at Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints, 2616 Louise St., Saskatoon. Internment at Woodlawn Orthodox Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Shevchenko Foundation, 456 Main St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1B6; the Mohyla Institute, 1240 Temperance St., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0P1; or the Royal University Hospital Foundation, 103 Hospital Dr., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8.