Obituary of Michael Burianyk

BURIANYK - Mr. Michael Burianyk of Regina, formerly of Ituna, beloved husband of Edith Burianyk passed away on June 26, 2016 at the age of 98. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Edith, their children Michael (Natasha), Andrew, Anna Maria (Alphonse) and Kathryn (Robert), and their grandchildren Mark, Stefan, Sadie, Adriana and Lileah. Michael was born June 6, 1918 in Jasmin, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of four children (William, Mary and Jerry) born to John and Ewdokia Burianyk. Michael was a good man who lived a good life. His family, friends, local community, country, church and Ukrainian heritage meant everything to him and he served them all well. He attended public and junior high school in Jasmin. From 1936 to 1938 he attended the Saskatoon Technical Collegiate studying motor mechanics and bookkeeping while residing at Mohyla Institute where he met many life-long friends. In 1936 Michael enlisted in the Royal Canadian Corp at Dundurn, Saskatchewan. In July 1938 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aircraftman where he served as a Wireless and Electrical Mechanic (radar). Michael attained the rank of Flight Sergeant before his discharge from the RCAF in 1947. He was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-1945. He continued to serve his country in the RCAF Primary Reserve as a Communications Technician from 1955 to 1960. From 1948 to 1956 he managed the Arton Lumber Company in Arrowhead, B.C. During this time he continued his life-long involvement with the Liberal Party of Canada. Michael married the love of his life, Edith Tataryn in 1956 and they moved to Birch River, Manitoba where he managed the Birch River Plywood Company. In August 1965, he moved with his young family to Ituna, Saskatchewan where he worked for a Massy Ferguson & Dodge Chrysler Agency. Shortly after moving to Ituna he was appointed as an insurance agent for S.G.I.O. and ran his own business until his retirement in the mid 1980's. Michael was very much involved in both community and church affairs. He was a Justice of the Peace in Manitoba from 1962 to 1965 and in Saskatchewan from 1967 to 1993. He was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Kelliher Branch and was a member of the Ituna Lion's Club where he held various offices including the office of Deputy District Governor. He took an active part in the affairs of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church acting as President, Secretary, and Treasurer for the congregation and as secretary and treasurer for the parish-owned Rose Garden Hall. He, along with many of his family members, had a life-long relationship with Mohyla Institute and served for many years on its board of directors. Michael and Edith moved to Regina in 2001 residing at Selo Gardens where he continued to be engaged in various activities associated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - serving on the Selo Gardens Board of Directors and as a church volunteer at the weekly bingos. Since September 2015, Michael lived at the Veteran's Unit at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre where he was lovingly cared for with dignity and respect. Michael was a fair and kind person who loved meeting new people and spending time with family and old friends and who was always ready for a quick quip to make people smile. The life he led reflected his values. He will be dearly missed, but not forgotten. May his memory be eternal! Vichnaya Pamyat! Prayers were held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Selo Gardens Chapel in Regina and the Funeral Service On Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Regina with Very Rev. Father Michael Maranchuk officiating. The cantor, Vera Feduschak and members of the parish choir sang the responses. The cross bearer was Michael Zaleschuk and the casket bearers were Ed Hopke, Wally Kaminski, Orest Warnyca, Ernie Kitzul, William Stratiychuk and William Oleynik. The interment followed in Holy Ghost Parish Cemetery, Ituna with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Menbers of the Royal Canadian Legion, Kelliher Branch conducted the Legion Rite. Service Information Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 7:00pm, Selo Chapel Thursday, June 30th, 2016 10:00am, Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Holy Ghost Parish Cemetery - Ituna