Joe WITYK

Obituary of Joe WITYK

March 8, 1923 - Krywycia, Ukraine
October 23, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Joe Wityk, beloved husband of Anna Wityk (nee Pliscz) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 at the age of 97 years.

 

Osyp (Joe) Wityk was born in Krywycia, Ukraine on March 8, 1923.  He was the youngest in the family and had two brothers, and two sisters.  In Ukraine, he tended geese, excelled at school and was a very fast runner, winning several races.  He cut his foot on a rocky road and almost bled to death as a young boy; he saw heaven, which he described as a bright and beautiful garden. From that day, he loved gardening and being outdoors.

 

He was forced to work on a farm in Germany during WWII. After the war, he was taken by train to an East German concentration camp.   He escaped, evading capture by hiding in hay bales and surviving on eating unripe berries. Back in West Germany, he met and married Anna Pliscz in 1948. They had Stefan (Steve) in Hersfeld, Germany nine months later.  Joe studied painting and shoemaking while in Germany.  

 

Joe and Anna immigrated to Canada in 1950 and joined a family working sugar beet fields in Taber, AB. Joe found work in Calgary and brought Anna and Steve to the city, settling in the Bridgeland community. He helped build city hall, the airport, Market Mall, and numerous other buildings and bridges. Terry was born to Anna and Joe in 1959. Joe and Anna helped bring other family members to Canada, and were active in their church and the Ukrainian community.

 

Eventually, Joe retired and was blessed to spend decades gardening and enjoying time with family. Joe, Anna, their sons and wives all lived in the duplex he built. He was a devoted, fun and giving grandfather and great-grandfather.

 

He was very proud of his family and they brought him great joy. Joe loved his family and God deeply, was very satisfied with his life, and was ready to go whenever God called him home. His family is happy to have had such a great man in their life and grateful for all of the wonderful times they shared together.

 

Joe would encourage everyone to cherish your family, do your best, enjoy life, and try not to stress too much. 

 

Joe is survived by his wife Anna, sons, Steve (Kay) and Terry (Lorie); granddaughter Tracy (Chad), and great-grandchildren, Constantine and Brielle. 

 

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (729 – 6th Street N.E., Calgary, AB) on  Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (729 – 6th Street N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joe’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

 

In living memory of Joe Wityk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

Вічная Пам’ять

Friday
30
October

Divine Liturgy

10:00 am
Friday, October 30, 2020
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church
729-6th Street N.E
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Friday
30
October

Graveside Service

11:00 am
Friday, October 30, 2020
Queen's Park Cemetery
3219-4th street NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
403-221-3660
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