Obituary of Nicholas "Nick" Lastiwka

LASTIWKA - Nicholas Metro Lastiwka was born on November 27, 1937 in the Springside district of Saskatchewan; a son of Maria (nee Gryschuk) and Metro Lastiwka. He was raised on the farm and attended the Crossroads and Theodore Schools. As a young man he began training in the health care field and began his career as a male nurse at the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton. Following ten years in Edmonton Nick moved to Calgary, where he would spend the next 30 years, mainly at the Calgary General Hospital. In 1984 Nick met Bernice Vocat, and thus began a 30 year relationship. The couple continued to reside in Calgary until 1998, when they moved back to Theodore, where they have since resided. Although retired, Nick always loved the farming way of life and he greatly enjoyed the times spent on the tractor & combine as he helped out various family members on their farms. In later years coffee row was the favorite place. He was a community minded individual, he was a village councilor, and had served as deputy mayor and mayor. He was acknowledged this past August at the 100th anniversary celebration of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Riverside district. In poor health for some time, Nick passed away suddenly at his home in Theodore on Friday, October 30th 2015. He was 77 years of age. Predeceased by his father Metro & mother Maria; brothers: Jim, Bill & Alex Lastiwka; and by sisters: Katie Lutz, Helen Benfield, Rose Wenzel and Sophia Koroll. Nick is survived by his wife Bernice; a sister, Elizabeth (Len) VanDenBussche of Victoria; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and his many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on Friday morning, November 6th from St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Riverside district, north of Theodore. Very Rev. Mel Slashinsky officiated. The crossberarer was Clay Serby. The interment took place in the Parish Cemetery with Terry Lastiwka, Dean Lastiwka, Louis Lahosky, Larry Koroll, Fred Allary and Ray How serving as the casketbearers. Memorials were to St. John's Church. Service Information Friday, November 6th, 2015 10:00am, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church Riverside