Obituary of George Kavchak

The family of Heorhiy "George" Kavchak of Yorkton, beloved husband of Mariya Kavchak sadly announce his passing on Friday June 21, 2024. George was 69 years of age.

Prayers will be held on Thursday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m from Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church with Fr. Yurii Obukh officiating.

Click Here to view livestream beginning at 9:45 a.m.

Memorials in memory of Heorhiy may be made to Streams of Hope (streamofhopes@gmail.com) or East Central New Comers (132 Broadway St. W., Yorkton, SK S3N 0M4) as gifts of remembrance.

Heorhiy Ivanovich Kavchak peacefully passed away at the Yorkton Regional Hospital on Friday, June 21, 2024. He was 69 years old.

Heorhiy will be remembered and cherished in the hearts of those who danced to his boyish charm, his adventurous side, and his love for Life. He loved his community and always had his camera on him capturing memories and translating them into lively anecdotes.

He leaves to mourn his wife Mariya Vasilivna Kavchak, his 3 children Olga Kavchak, Andriy Kavchak, and Svetlana Kavchak from a past marriage. Heorhiy leaves to mourn his brother Muhaylo Kavchak and his family of 3 children. He is joining in eternal life his mom, Paraska Kavchak, and father, Ivan Kavchak, and in-laws, Vasul Maftichuk and Efrocinia Maftichuk.

“If there is a Will there's a Way!” 

This statement and passage wholeheartedly describes the nature and the life direction of Heorhiy “George” Kavchak.

Heorhiy was born in Ukraine, in a village called Kadubivtsi, on May 19th, 1955, of Chernivetskoho Region. He was the youngest of the 2 sons including his oldest brother Muhaylo Kavchak. Heorhiy spent 45 years of his life living in Ukraine, during which he acquired a diploma in construction specializing in masonry. He courted his now wife, Mariya Kavchak, in 1984 and was blessed with 2 children, Olga and Andriy. Heorhiy and Mariya were married for over 35 years until death separated them.

He was an adventure seeker, always traveling and exploring different countries, and thus continents. His curiosity and mere excitement of adventure led him to visit his long-lost family in Theodore in 1993.

In 2000, Heorhiy decided to file for immigration and bring the rest of his immediate family to Canada. This was a long and strenuous process, but his eagerness and resilience along with determination propelled him towards his goal. Upon settlement in Yorkton, he witnessed his children go to school and create a life of their own.

Heorhiy loved his family and his Ukrainian roots and community. He always looked towards helping and directing new settlers to experience an easier transition into Canadian culture.

He loved fishing, swimming, and spending as much time with mother earth. One of his most coveted treasures was the exploration of mother earth. He fed the earth and the earth fed him. 

In March of 2024, he was hospitalized for 3 months with necrotizing pneumonia. During his stay certain tests uncovered that he was suffering from COPD. This made breathing difficult and so he began to rely on external oxygen to keep him alive.  He was able to return to his home for 2 weeks until his breathing issues returned and thus he was admitted to ICU at the Yorkton Regional Hospital. He survived under sedation for a week, but unfortunately passed away on June 21, 2024.

Heorhiy is survived by his loving wife Mariya, daughter Olga, and son Andriy and relatives in Ukraine. 

The Family thanks to all who prayed and supported Heorhiy during his struggle and continue to wish him peaceful rest in heaven with God. 

May you rest in peace dad!