Paul Kowalenko

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Kowalenko, age 97 on December 2, 2022. “Deedo,” as he was known to his family and friends passed away peacefully at his daughter Sonya’s home in Toronto, where he resided for the last seven years. He was surrounded by love.

Deedo was born on February 25th, 1925 in Slavuta, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine. By the time he was 21 years of age he had experienced things that most people would never experience during their lifetime. His recollections of childhood and surviving the Holodomor, a man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine speak to his strength and his desire for freedom. On January 6th, 1946,” in the cover of darkness and by The Grace of God” he was fortunate to escape to Austria where he lived for several years.

At age 25 he found his forever home in Canada, a place he loved dearly. He settled in Thunder Bay, met the love of his life, Maria, and raised his family. Deedo had fond memories of working with Maria in the bush camp. He also worked for The Canadian Pacific Railway. One of his proudest moments was pursuing higher education. Paul completed The Registered Nursing Assistant course which led to a fulfilling 25 year career at The Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. He loved every aspect of his work and was very well respected by his colleagues, patients, and their families.

Baba and Deedo’s home was a place where family and friends often gathered. Laughter, bountiful hospitality, Ukrainian food, music, and sharing of childhood stories filled their home.

Paul is renowned for his sense of humour and his storytelling. Laughter, smiles, and the happiness of others brought him great joy. He always said “Hope is the last to die” and “keep smiling”.

Deedo is predeceased by his beloved wife and lifelong love Maria, and granddaughter Lindsay Stewart. Left to grieve are daughters Liz Stewart (Pat) of Ottawa and Sonya Kowalenko (Bill Carter) of Toronto, and his cherished grandchildren: Alex (Lacey), Mitchell (Tesia), Sasha “Mutsik” and Laura (Shawn).

A special heartfelt thank you to Claire and Gaye, who made it possible for Baba and Deedo to stay in their own home as long as possible. In 2015, they moved to Toronto and lived with their daughter Sonya and her family. It was their honour and privilege to care for them and to share the precious gift of time together. A very special heartfelt thank you to our angels, Josie, Dolly, Connie, and Dr. Shayna, that helped us care for our Deedo. You became a special part of our family and we are forever grateful.

Both the Visitation and The Funeral Service will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 Syndicate Avenue S. Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 1C8.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9th, 2022 from 7-9 pm and the Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 10th at 9:30 am. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Followed by a Reception at Jenkens Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to The Humane Society. He loved his dogs.