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Kukurudz; Boris William (Gigi) passed away suddenly on April 3rd, 2017 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, surrounded by his family, at age 79 years. Boris was born to Stella Wowk and John Kukurudz on November 24th, 1937 in Marco, Manitoba. He was the second eldest of six children, and attended Marconi School until grade eight when he left to support his family. Boris worked at a family farm and the Shoal Lake Avalon Theatre, where he met his wife Eileen Walters. He later moved on to work for the Shilo sanitation department, and then Bradley Sand and Gravel for over forty years. Starting off feeding the crusher, through his hard work, Boris became an active share holder in the company. Married on July 25th, 1959, Boris and Eileen moved to Brandon, Manitoba to start their life together. Family was always the centre of Boris’ life as his four children came into the world, starting with Ken, Rob, and then the twin girls Shelley and Sherie. As a young family they enjoyed traveling together to his distant work sites, making a work trip fun by camping. He took pride in the accomplishments of his growing family, and loved to teach his grandchildren new skills like riding their bikes around the driveway of the farm, boating, and snowmobiling. He loved to play the harmonica, listen to music, polka, and travel. Boris was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and enjoyed taking his turn at being an usher at services. He was also a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Men’s Club and was on the Sick and Visiting Committee with Tony Yuriy. Eileen passed away in 2009, however, Boris was lucky enough to have loved twice as he spent his remaining years with Helen Lazaruk, which led to new adventures such as jet skiing and yes, even Country Fest.

Boris is survived by his loving companion Helen Lazaruk; his children Ken Kukurudz (Amanda), Rob Kukurudz (Andi), Shelley Swartz (Larry), Sherie Burton (Andrew) and Tammy Carleton (Marlin); grandchildren Scott (Laura), Cory, Kali, Josh, Ryan, Justin (Caitlin), Rebekah, Tyler (Raven), Rachel, Stephanie, Thomas, Travis, and Charissa (Kyle); great grandchildren Zayna, Nathan, Elizabeth, and Timothy; and his siblings Walter Kukurudz (Glenys), Orest Kukurudz (Reggie), Sylvia Kukurudz (Mike), Patricia Busby. He was predeceased by his parents Stella Wowk and John Kukurudz, sister Margaret Kukurudz, and his wife Eileen Kukurudz.

Prayers were said at Memories Chapel on Thursday, April 8, 2017. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Michael Tkachuk on Friday, April 9th, 2017, at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Cantor was Stella Fedeniuk. The Cross Bearer was Charissa Carleton; Scripture Reader was Rebekah Kukurudz and the eulogy was given by granddaughters Rachel Swartz and Stephanie Burton. Honourary Bearers were Orest Kukurudz, Walter Kukurudz, Myrcel Sheeshka, Ron Skeoch, Sylvia Kukurudz, and Pat Busby. Pallbearers were his grandsons Scott Kukurudz, Ryan Kukurudz, Justin Kukurudz, Travis Carleton, Tyler Swartz, and Thomas Burton. Interment took place at the Brandon Cemetery where he was buried with his wife Eileen. Donations in memory of Boris may be made to Diabetes Canada, Unit A1-800 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB R7A 6N5.

How to explain a man
who meant so much to so many,
Whose presence was polarizing
in the eyes of the family,
Whose ability to unite us was almost uncanny,
Who blended respect and love,
of which he had plenty.

So rest easy now grandpa,
be at peace with all you’ve done,
You have been a driving force
in the young men and women we’ve become.
Now you can watch us grow from a distance
with grandma hand in hand,
And see us continue on in your name
like the heavens had always planned.

~Ryan Kukurudz