Andrew Pankiw

Beloved husband of the late Jaroslawa Pankiw (2023) and the late Olga (née Kurpel) Pankiw (1983). Dear father of Don Pankiw (Michael Byrne). Predeceased by his son John Pankiw (2003) (Roksolana Jaworskyj).

Born in Hrushiv, Ukraine, as a young teenager Andrew was forced into labour in Austria during WWII. Following the war, Andrew was interned in Poland in a camp for displaced persons for several years, until receiving sponsorship for passage to Canada, where he worked on a farm outside of Kitchener. After two years working on the farm, he was truly free to build his life. He became a longtime member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, where he met Olga Kurpel. They married and celebrated the birth of their son John in 1960 and their second son Don in 1962. Until his retirement 30 years ago, Andrew worked at Canadian Blower, Canada Pumps Ltd. in Kitchener.

Andrew and Olga enjoyed entertaining and had a passion for cooking together. Andrew always prepared Sunday dinners so that Olga could sing in the church choir. Following Olga's death in 1983, Andrew's lifelong bond with his son Don was enriched through their time spent together in the kitchen. After introductions through mutual friends, Andrew met and married Jaroslawa Sadiwnyk. Theirs was another lifetime together until her passing on June 4th of this year.

Unfortunately his relationship with his firstborn son was cut short when John was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and passed a few months later in March 2003.

Andrew loved animals, especially his German Shepherd Sammy and Westie, Maggie.

Andrew's family will receive relatives and friends at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900), on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 5 - 8 p.m., with Panachyda at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, 131 Victoria St. S., Kitchener on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society, 55 St. Clair Ave. W., Suite 500, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com