Jaroslaw Roman Klun

Jaroslaw Klun, in his 88th year, passed peacefully at home on November 23rd, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Jaroslaw will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Jackilyn (Botten) of 48 years, son Roman and wife Maria Infantine, daughter Nadia and husband Roman Stadler, and beloved Dido to Maksim and Sofia. Jaroslaw was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Maria Klun. Born in Ezupil, Ukraine on October 1, 1927, Jaroslaw expressed an early passion for dance, theatre and the arts studying throughout Europe to later flee from WWII captivity. Jaroslaw joined the French Foreign Legion under the security of “A Man Without A Country” and was then moved to England where he attended Business College before finally reuniting with his family in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Jaroslaw worked for Essex Packers for 29 years and Better Beef for 26 years as Global Export Manager. Jaroslaw was a strong influence in the Ukrainian community. As a member of Plast in Ukraine, he continued with Ukrainian tradition in Canada forming a Ukrainian dance troupe at Holy Spirit Church in the late 50’s and later founded the renowned Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, “Chaika.” Jaroslaw was an acclaimed Guest Artistic Director and Choreographer of several dance troupes in Europe, Brazil, USA and Canada. His inspiration in the Ukrainian community continues through generations of the youth he taught over a 60 year period.

As a teacher, mentor, father figure and friend, Jaroslaw Klun inspired friendships that have lasted 60 plus years. Post retirement, Jaroslaw was a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Senior’s Club and Ukrainian Social Services - Hamilton, Ontario Branch where he served as Treasurer.

The family would like to thank the following doctors and nurses for their outstanding care and compassion: Dr. Adrian Hornich, Dr. Irene Cybulsky, the palliative care team, Saint Elizabeth and C.C.A.C. The family will receive family and friends at Markey Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton, Ontario on Tuesday November 25th and Wednesday November 26th from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm with Panachyda both evenings at 7:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday November 27th at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church, 15 St. Olga Street (Barton Street) East, Hamilton at 10:00 am followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Burlington, Ontario. In Jaroslaw’s memory, donations can be made to Ukrainian Social Services, Hamilton, Ontario Branch as well as JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund).

“Jaroslaw Klun will forever dance in our hearts.”