Obituary of Arnold Orest Frederick WAWRUCH

April 30, 1932 – Brandon, Manitoba
December 4, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Arnold (Arni) Wawruch, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

Arni spent his early years in Manitoba. One of Arni’s first jobs was delivering papers for the Winnipeg Free Press, for which he was awarded an engraved watch as recognition for a job well done.  He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Manitoba. He moved to Calgary soon after and worked as an architect and instructor at Mount Royal College until his retirement in the 1990’s. On December 31, 2002 Arni and Marjorie Wright were married. They lived in Chinook Park until moving in 2014 to their current home overlooking the Shaganappi Golf Course.

Arni was a man of many interests and talents. He had a passion for beautiful things: art, design, architecture, and fine works in wood. Arni was a juror for SAWS (Southern Alberta Woodworking Society) for more than 40 years. As an active member of St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, he served on the committee that oversaw the completion of its unique award winning architecture. For many years, Arni sponsored a scholarship through the Church in memory of his parents. His Ukrainian heritage, religious beliefs and his education were integral in formulating his life values.

He was a collector of many things and enjoyed finding interesting and unusual items. He loved golfing and travelling with Marjorie and his friends. He explored the world and then after marrying Marjorie, they travelled together, always with an architectural lens.

Arni is survived by his wife Marjorie and her family, his sister Karen “Lynn” (Stan) McMillan, niece Caryn (Mark) Northcott, nephew Michael (Jennifer) McMillan, great-nieces and nephews, Daniel Northcott (Josette), Michael Northcott, Lauren McMillan, Rachel McMillan, Aaron McMillan, Wade McMillan; and great-great-nephew Martin Northcott. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie Wawruch; and his brother Kenneth Wawruch earlier this year.

A private Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Arni’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Ukrainian Catholic University Exchange Program at St. Mary’s University, or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Rodney Place for taking such good care of Arni for many years and, more specifically, visiting and watching over him in the hospital during the last two months.

May his memory be eternal. Vichnaya Pamyat.

In living memory of Arnold (Arni) Wawruch, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.