October 15, 1936 - June 1, 2021
Father Cyril Mykytiuk, OSBM - a man of God - a son, a brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle, a cousin, a teacher, vice-principal, a colleague, a friend... Sadly passed away on June 1, 2021, in Edmonton, Alberta, or AB.
Father Cyril was born on October 15th, 1936, in Holden, Alberta, the third of five sons of Philip and Anastasia (Wynnyk) Mykytiuk. The family relocated to Vernon, British Columbia, in 1946.
He is survived by siblings, Lawrence, Ambrose, Basil. Alexander, the youngest, predeceased him this year on Easter Sunday. He excelled in studies, achieving top honours and was elected president of the science club. His hobbies were photography, leather craft, and painting.
Father Cyril joined the Basilian Fathers on October 4th, 1954. He professed his monastic vows on September 15th, 1959, and he was ordained on July 21st, 1963. While in Rome he received instruction from the Austrian artist in residence who recognized his artistic talent.
He made many trips to Vernon and to California to attend family reunions , as well as his trips to Ukraine to connect with family members. As vice-principal of St. Basil's high school in Weston, Ontario, he taught physics, geology and mathematics.
He joined the pysanky workshop sessions at the school and produced many designs of Ukraine traditions, including those of the ancient trypillian form.
On retirement from the school system, he became parish priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Shrine in Ottawa. Under his direction, the decoration of the Shrine was completed by noted artists from Ukraine.
He was appointed Rector of the Summer Religious programs at the Ukrainian Catholic Camp located in Quebec. He was very happy to celebrate liturgies for the campers and visitors.
He tended to the land and buildings and cutting miles of grass in preparation for young summer campers. He repaired buildings, painting, hammering and refurbishing. Father Cyril was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Chaplain to the parish Knights.
He was devoted to his church and his parish; he will be remembered as a man of strength, generosity, and integrity, a renaissance man with a wicked sense of humour and a heart of gold.