Morris Hoshowsky: A Tribute

(July 2, 1922 – April 9, 2012)

A pillar of Toronto’s Ukrainian community, Morris ‘Slawko’ Hoshowsky was a member of the Ukrainian National Federation for decades, along with numerous choirs, and hunting and fishing clubs. A long-time volunteer at Caravan’s Kiev Pavilion, Morris could be seen working the front door at the Toronto UNF Hall, helping out behind the bar, or setting-up painted wooden decorations that graced the Hall’s entrance at its former College Street location.

Born in Zolochiw, Ukraine on July 2, 1922 – the same year King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered – Morris’ early life was challenging. The son of parents Zenon and Maria, his childhood came to an end when his mother died. Unable to take care of his children, some stayed with Zenon while others were sent away – Morris to a monastery – and his beloved sister Irene to a convent. Instead of focusing on his grief, the young Morris soon learned to work with his hands, and grew skilled at printing monotype, shoemaking, and carpentry.

In 1937, Morris came to Canada with no money, but dreams of a new life. Taking whatever job he could – delivering groceries or working in nickel-plating factories – he discovered a talent for upholstery, and recovered thousands of chairs, sofas, and other pieces of furniture. At one of his factory jobs he met Ann Harasymchuk, the young woman who later became his wife. Enlisting in the Canadian Military in 1943, Morris served as a stevedore in Halifax until he was discharged in 1946, the year he and Ann were married. In the years that followed, they bought a house, had sons Terry and Robert, and started a marriage that lasted 60 years, until Ann – a life-long volunteer and member of the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, Toronto Branch – passed away on March 10, 2007.

A proud father and grandfather to Kaitlyn, James and Victoria, Morris faced all challenges with a smile. Surviving cancer in 1989, jaw reconstruction surgeries, and a heart attack, he was always positive, choosing to see the good in every situation. His passing a year ago was peaceful, gentle, and dignified.

Many friends and family members have a “Morris story.” One took place years ago at the Toronto UNF Hall, which had two auditoriums. Downstairs for one event, Morris was curious as to what was going on upstairs. Opening the auditorium doors, he saw hundreds gathered to hear His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The room was absolutely silent, heads bowed in prayer. As Morris opened the doors, the Dalai Lama looked up, smiled, and said, “Come inside, we’ve been waiting for you.”

Heaven no longer waits.

A good man, a good heart, always helping others.

Vichnaya Pamyat!