In Memory of Roman Platon Roshak

(August 19, 1916 - March 1, 2009)

Born in the Village of Protesy, Ukraine, Roman was the son of Ivan, a priest, and Maria, heiress to an old family.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Alexander and Bohdan; his father, Ivan; his mother, Maria; and his ex-wife, Iryna. He is survived by his son, John (Diana Gibbons) and his granddaughter, Natalka (Eli Moore).

Roman’s early years were spent in the village, followed by a move to Lviv for high school and the University of Lviv, studying law and archaeology. He married Iryna Lubow Stecyk in 1940. The wars in Europe and Ukraine interrupted their education plans and it was not until the 1960s that Roman completed his Bachelor’s degree in this country, and his Master’s degree at the age of 75 at the Ukrainian Free University in Germany. In his 80s, he returned to the University of Lviv as a lecturer.

From his youth and throughout his life in Europe and Canada, Roman was a strong advocate of Ukrainian independence and was active in the Ukrainian National Organization, the scouting movement, the Ukrainian Underground Army, and a number of other groups. In Canada, Roman continued to be active in the Church and various organizations, including a period of nearly full-time involvement with the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada.

Highlights in Roman’s life were the ability to return to a free Ukraine, the calls he received from Independence Square in Kyiv in December 2004, and his selection to be one of the representatives from his community greeting Pope John Paul II on his historic visit to Canada after the lifting of decades of Soviet suppression of the Church in Ukraine.

Roman continued to live independently until a week before his death, when he was hospitalized for a minor condition. He passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.

Divine Liturgy for the repose of his soul was conducted on Saturday, March 14 at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, 11305 - 95A Street. Friends who wish to mark his life and passing are invited to contribute in his memory to the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, 201-9645 -108 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 1A3.

To send condolences, visit www.parkmemorial.com

Funeral arrangements through Park Memorial, Edmonton tel.: 780-426-0050