“Can you hear, kru, kru, kru…”

In Memory of Walter Suchnacky

In the midst of our daily routines and woes, imperceptibly, 40 days have elapsed since the passing of the late Volodymyr/Walter Suchnacky.  He  left this earth the same way he lived – quietly and with dignity.  His passing was a great shock to the members of UNF Toronto West Branch.  Although we realised that he was not in good health, none of us realised how far his illness had progressed.  He hung on with great tenacity, but finally succumbed to the illness.

Walter Suchnacky, held a special place in the UNF Toronto West Branch, not simply because he was President of the Branch for many years, but to the very end, he was the “collective memory” of the Branch.  Walter did not seek out prizes, citations or special recognition, nor did he look for photo opportunities or desire to sit at head tables, but despite that, he was often at the centre of any activity.  At meetings - conferences, the head table seemed to be built around him because of his deep understanding of the issues, his insight, his active listening and poignant questions.  His ability to be open and honest with himself and others, and his skill in working with a diverse group of individuals as equals, made him a person with whom others felt comfortable and at ease.  He always remained true to himself and his beliefs, and never used others as stepping stones to elevate himself or any personal interests.  These qualities seemed to give him a universal key to enter and understand the soul of each member of the UNF Toronto West Branch.  A true Christian in every facet of his life, he supported and donated generously to the growth of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate.  His life-long kindness and generosity were rewarded, and God gave him the opportunity to celebrate his 80^th Birthday in the warmth of his family, passing away the following day.

As with most of his peers, Walter Suchnacky lived through troubled times.  He was born on July 6, 1928, in the Village of Stanyn, near Radekhiv in the L’viv Region, Western Ukraine.  He completed his early education in Stanyn and Radekhiv, living a fairly average and difficult life of a village boy of the time.  Struggles with neighbouring Poland and Soviet stirrings sealed the destiny of Walter and his peers.  God was merciful to Walter.

During WWII, Walter was mobilized in the “Youth” formation, in which he participated in until the end of the War.  At the end of the War, he was in a refugee camp in Germany, and steadfastly resisted the calls to return to his homeland by Soviet Commissars, as he knew certain death would greet him should he return. By 1947, Walter found himself in England, and then in Canada in later years.  Throughout his stay in Germany, England and then in Canada, Walter continued with his education.

In 1951, Walter married Dorothy Williams, with whom he immigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto.  His career was mainly in machine building, culminating with his retirement from the position as Chief Engineer of the Professional Machine & Tool Co. Ltd. in Toronto.

For the members of the UNF Toronto West Branch, Walter Suchnacky will be remembered as a very knowledgeable, much respected Ukrainian patriot who led the Branch as President for many years.  He took part not only in Branch activities, but participated in a variety of other Ukrainian community organisations, among them the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada Board of Directors, the National Headquarters of the Ukrainian War Veterans Association, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch, the Board of Directors for The New Pathway Publishers, the local Branch of the Ukrainian War Veterans Association, etc.

Walter’s unwavering community and national credos have been deeply etched into our memories.  His faith and determination in the achievement of an independent Ukraine during Soviet occupation, and his continued efforts to help the long-awaited, newly formed Independent Ukrainian State, were the driving forces of his life.  He knew and respected Ukrainian culture, and was always ready to defend Ukraine’s reputation.  He continually reminded everyone of the great contributions and achievement of persons of Ukrainian heritage in the global context.

It is said that one can feign intelligence, kindness and generosity for a time, but one cannot pretend to be of noble spirit.  In our complicated world, a noble spirit is much desired, and we find ourselves drawn to these people.  This noble spirit, Walter Suchnacky, gave generously of himself, his time, his worldly experience and touched the lives of many with his presence and his sunny smile.  There were no bounds to his sharing – a limitless well that all were welcome to share.  His masterly and talented hand and generosity were always evident at his home in Toronto and at his “Sokil”cottage in Hawkestone north of the city.  This was greatly appreciated by his widow Dorothy, his daughters Nadya Owen and Linda Samec, his grandchildren Mark Nestor, Tanya Kaneski and Lesya Terry, as well as his great-grandson Maksym Nestor.  His family is and always will be very proud of him.

When we are in the UNF West Toronto Branch Hall, we feel the presence of someone whom we cannot see.  We are certain this is the spirit of Walter Suchnacky, ever present in the building he considered another home, ever present to guide and lend a helping hand.

The daily routine and woes make it difficult to focus on the larger picture.  And so, 40 days have slipped by since the passing of Walter Suchnacky.  He lived with dignity, and left us with dignity, leaving behind a legacy and large contribution to the Ukrainian community and wonderful memories for all who knew him.  May you rest in peace, our dear friend and brother – we will remember you always.

     Members of the UNF Toronto West Branch