In Memory of Walter Oleh Hladun

Walter Oleh Hladun passed away on September 11, 2011, aged 83 years. He was born in Pidhorody, Rohatyn, Western Ukraine on July 28, 1928. His father was Michael and mother was Olga. Walter immigrated to Canada in 1939 together with his mother, sister Mary, and brother Bill.

They landed in Halifax and journeyed across Canada to join their father who worked on the Canadian railway as a section hand in Saskatchewan.  The family then continued west to settle in Edmonton in 1940.

Walter was 11 years old when he arrived in Edmonton and began school at Queens Avenue. He then attended McCauley and Victoria Composite High School. In 1949, Walter attended the University of Alberta and went on to attain his degree in Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.  

In that same year, Walter married his loving wife Gloria Marchyshyn and they had three children, Robert, Dory and Michael. Walter and Gloria were married for 63 years.

Walter practised pharmacy for over 50 years during which time he owned two drug stores and worked at many other pharmacies in Edmonton. Walter loved his work as a pharmacist helping people improve their health.

Walter had a passion for sports and was active in the Ukrainian community. He was a member of the Ukrainian National Youth Federation, taught Ukrainian dancing, wrote, choreographed and performed in a three-act play that toured Alberta, and was a long standing member of UNF Edmonton and supported many Ukrainian causes.

Walter is predeceased by his father Michael, mother Olga and brother Bill. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria; his sister Mary; his son Robert, wife Lori and their children Brody and Kira; his daughter Dory, husband Terry and their children Jason, Tara, Christopher and Tara’s son Hayden; his son Michael, wife Donna and their children Kate and Tommy. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Ron, Rick, Jerry, Daria, Billy, Donna and in Toronto, Jerry.

The Hladun Family