Sylvia FEDORUK Obituary

Published by Saskatoon StarPhoenix from Sep. 29 to Oct. 1, 2012.

SYLVIA OLGA FEDORUK
Sylvia (Syl) Olga Fedoruk, age 85, died on September 26th in Saskatoon. Her life, marked by achievements in science, athletics and public service earned her significant recognition. She was a proud Canadian with her roots firmly planted in Saskatchewan. She leaves to mourn two aunts: Annie (John) Romaniuk, Yorkton; and Mary (Fred) Romaniuk, Parksville, BC as well as cousins: Dolores (Tom) Murphy, Vancouver; Garry Vann (Carol Walker), Saskatoon; Michael (Margaret) Vann, Calgary; Alvina Romaniuk, Spruce Grove, AB; Eugene (Coby) Romaniuk, Errington, BC; Sharon (Steve) Sobkow, Calder, SK; Lawrence (Susan) Romaniuk, Kelowna; Metro (Adelaine) Romaniuk, Yorkton; Ivan & Regina Sobkow (Nicholas & Vincent), Calder, SK; Andrea Sobkow, Saskatoon; Charlotte & Bill Patterson (Jennifer), Qualicum Beach, BC; Douglas & Christine Heshka-Wolf (Ciera & Kira), Spruce Grove, AB; Sandra & Dwayne Yachiw (Samanda & Amanda), Saskatoon. Also left to mourn are many friends, especially Irene Bell and her best friend Max C. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Theodore and Annie and her special cousin, Merylyn Vann. Sylvia was born in Canora, Saskatchewan on May 5, 1927 to Annie Romaniuk and Theodore Fedoruk. A spring blizzard struck just as Mrs. Fedoruk went into labour forcing the shorter trip to Canora hospital rather than Yorkton as they planned. The circumstances surrounding Sylvia's birth became a metaphor for managing adversity that defined the Fedoruks who, like many at the time, overcame significant hardship to become firmly established first-generation Canadians. Sylvia's early school experiences, where circumstances frequently compromised the curriculum, were balanced by personal lessons that would serve her well in her later academic pursuits. Her formal education began in a one room rural school, near Wroxton in the Yorkton area, where her father taught seventy students in grades one to eight while supervising those completing grades nine and ten by correspondence. Older students helped teach the younger ones so that by the time she was in grade five, Sylvia was helping "tutor" her younger classmates. Her father, determined to show that his daughter was not the teacher's pet, used Sylvia to set the academic and disciplinary standards for the school. Pursuing the best grades and pleasing supervisors would define her career with impressive results. In 1941 the Fedoruks moved to Windsor, Ontario where both parents found work. Canada was at war and factory wages were much higher than Theodore could earn as a rural school teacher. Here, Sylvia completed grades nine through thirteen, graduating in 1946 as the top female student at Walkerville Collegiate, earning the Ernest J. Creed Memorial Medal and a University entrance scholarship. The family returned to Saskatchewan after the war where Theodore resumed his teaching career and Sylvia enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan. She never forgot her mother's message that she complete a University education, find a satisfactory job and stick with it to earn a good pension, opportunities that had eluded the ambitious, hard-working Annie. Supported by scholarships and her parents' hard-earned savings, Sylvia obtained her B.A. with great distinction, in 1949, earning the Governor General's Gold Medal as the University's most outstanding graduate. This was followed by a four-year degree with high honours in Physics and a Masters degree in 1951. By this time, she had caught the attention of Dr. Harold Johns who recruited her to be the radiation physicist at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic. Her work with Johns, teaching medical physics and pioneering the world's first cobalt unit to treat cancer, earned her an international reputation. By the time Sylvia retired in 1986, she was Director of Physics Services for the Saskatchewan Cancer Commission, had published 38 refereed papers and had participated in scientific presentations world-wide. She was the first female member of the Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada (1973-83) and the Science Council, Canada (1973-76), was appointed an Honourary Member of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, a Fellow of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine and Honourary Consultant to the medical staff of Royal University Hospital where she spent her career. Her work in medical radiology earned her four honourary degrees from the University of Windsor (1987), Western Ontario (1990), Regina (1991) and Mount Saint Vincent (1993). A fifth, recognizing her career and public service contributions was awarded in 2006 by her alma mater, the University of Saskatchewan. In 1986, Sylvia was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Her career was captured best in 1988 when she was selected to the Order of St. John, an international organization whose mission is to prevent illness and enhance the health and well- being of people throughout the world. In 2009, she was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2012. Not bad for a girl who began her education in a one room school near Wroxton, Saskatchewan. Sylvia's public service record is as impressive as her career. Her name is found on an assortment of fifty-one directorships ranging from University of Saskatchewan contributions on the Board of Governors, the Senate and a term as Chancellor to participation in the wider community. She was a member of The Meewasin Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and the Centennial Auditorium (TCU Place) Boards and the planning committee for the 1989 Brier. Provincially, she served on the Board of Sask. Sport and was a member of the Advisory Committee for Judicial Appointments. A term as President of the Canadian Ladies' Curling Association and on the Board of the Canadian Nurses Association enhanced her national reputation. Her varied public service contributions culminated in her appointment as Saskatchewan's seventeenth and first woman Lieutenant Governor. Like anything else she did, her 1988-1994 term was completed with dignity, warmth and distinction. She was one of Saskatchewan's most popular Lieutenant Governors. Accomplishments in science and public service were complemented by Sylvia's long-term involvement in sports. In her academic and public services roles, she was "Professor" or "Your Honour." When she arrived at the curling rink, arena, gymnasium or golf course, she became "Syl." In the days before specialization, Sylvia was an outstanding University athlete. Including four track and field championships highlighted by a 1947 Canadian record in women's javelin, she won a total of twelve intervarsity championships. In 1949 she was awarded the Spirit of Youth Trophy for outstanding accomplishments in academics and athletics. Following graduation, she turned to softball and curling with similar success. In the days before national championships, she was an infielder on the Regina Govins and the Saskatoon Ramblers 1954 and 1955 Western Canadian Championship teams. She was on curling teams skipped by Joyce McKee that won three Provincial championships and the first Canadian Championship in 1961. Golf remained an interest from her early university days through her various "retirements" where she maintained a membership at Riverside Country Club. At the University level, she remained a life-long passionate supporter of the basketball Huskies, an early arrival for games and never shy about scolding the referees. Helen Keller, author, lecturer, activist and first deaf and blind person to graduate from college more than a century ago said "I long to accomplish great and noble tasks but it is my duty to accomplish small tasks as though they were great and noble." Sylvia Fedoruk's life was marked by tasks large and small and accomplishments great and noble. We mourn her passing and celebrate her life. A State Funeral will be held in Saskatoon, SK on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at TCU Place (35 22nd Street East). A Vigil of Prayer for family and parishioners will have taken place at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church prior to the State Funeral. Committal Rites and Burial will be at Yorkton, SK with her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to [email protected]. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home, 244-5577


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27 Entries

January 8, 2013

Don Nelson

My mistake...I said 1983, however it was 1990. Apologies.

January 8, 2013

Don Nelson

I had the distinct pleasure of being assigned as Sylvia's driver during the Open Skies Summit and the Changing of the Governor General in 1983. I was a young Private in the Canadian Forces, but she insisted on marching me right up to the PM's receiving line and introducing me to every individual in the line-up. I will never forget that moment, nor will I forget her sincere admiration for the Province she represented nor the country she served. My condolences to the family and friends of Sylvia. May she rest peacefully.

October 8, 2012

Della Summers

I had the privilege of knowing Sylvia for many years, and was always impressed with who she was as a person. She encompassed a rare combination of intelligence, kindness, and sociability.
Saskatchewan has truly lost a valuable citizen. Her passing will leave a void for all that knew her.

October 5, 2012

Jaime Svennes

You will be missed by all whom knew you, god bless Sylvia

October 5, 2012

Mrs Sue-Lynn Mack

Sylvia will be greatly missed. She has made Canada & Saskatchewan proud!! It will be hard to walk pass her house & not think of her.

October 5, 2012

We had the honour of meeting and getting to know Sylvia Fedoruk, many times, in her capacity as the Vice-Prior of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem - St. John Ambulance for the Province of Saskatchewan. In this role, at the Annual Investitures, Her Honour handed out Priory Votes of Thanks or promotions within in the Order. As each recipient stepped forward, she had a firm handshake and a congratulatory word for each person. We appreciated the grace and dignity that Her Honour brought to this and other events that were associated with the Order of St. John. Both Mary and I each received a promotion in the Order during the time Sylvia Fedoruk was the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.

The following is the
THE ST. JOHN PRAYER – PRO FIDE.

The Lord preserve us in the number of the Faithful;
The Lord grant us means and opportunity to do good, resolution to persevere and grace to attain happily to the blessed inheritance of Eternal Life;
That like as charity hath united us one earth, so the Divine mercy which is the help and support of love, may voucesafe to unite us with His faithful ones in Heaven, through the good gift of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. AMEN.

Sylvia, thanks from all of us,from those that served with you, from those learned from you, from those who were your friends and family and from the many that because of you; your accomplishments and your talents-you made a difference in our lives and the world.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant!!

Jean Clive, Commander-St. John Ambulance and Mary Walters, Dame of Grace-St. John Ambulance, Regina, Saskatchewan.

October 4, 2012

Linda Storbo

I had the opportunty to work at government house and the pleasure of meeting Sylvia Fedoruk.She was a wonderfull person that will be greatly missed.

October 3, 2012

Marge Badham

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sylvia Fedoruk. She was such a fine lady and we will all miss her.

October 3, 2012

Saskatchewan and Canada have lost a great lady. We had some special moments with Sylvia over the years - a life well lived. Our condolences. Ernie and Rikki Richardson

October 3, 2012

Yard Essentials

We will really miss not seeing Syl and MaxC on a weekly basis. We have taken care of her yard for so long it will be hard to drive by it without cutting the lawn or trimming the hedge. We are thankful for getting to know such a wonderful and inspiring lady. ~Emily Rucks and Angela Downing

October 3, 2012

Sandy Heath

It was with great sadness that I learned today of Sylvia Fedoruk's passing. To have known her and worked for her in the curling world was truly an honour. Rest in Peace "Syl". I will always remember you.

October 3, 2012

Laurel Jenkins

I had the opportunity to meet her several times. Saskatchewan has lost a wonderful citizen!

October 2, 2012

Patricia Munroe (Heshka)

My family and I had the honour of Sylvia's Auntie Annie and Uncle John, and Uncle Bill and Auntie Edith adopting us when we moved to the Farm in the Gorlitz area. We spent many wonderful times with them. One sunday morning Edith called and said Breakfast is ready and we gathered up the kids and headed over to their farm. That was when I first met Sylvia. Sitting in that small farm kitchen, enjoying breakfast with her auntie and uncle and neighbours, you would have never known she was a lady of so many accomplishments. SHe was an amazing woman!!

October 1, 2012

Eleanore (Ciuca) King

Sylvia was truly a remarkable, gifted person who was also a trail blazer and a wonderful role model for many. She will be missed but not forgotten. With deepest sympathy for her family.

- Former Huskiette

October 1, 2012

Margie Quaid

I did not know Syl personally but I had two brief encounters with her. The first was at a Christmas play in the then Centenniel Audtorium. I took my daughter to this play, she was about 4 or 5 years old. She was seated next to Syl. I recognized her but my daughter did not of course. Jennifer spent the afternoon chatting with her new friend. I was so impressed how kind Syl was to this little girl. The second time was at a puppy training class about 10 years ago. She was there with her new poodle puppy and was lamenting about the fact that here was a woman of her age trying to train a puppy. During those weeks she mentioned that among her friends she was famous for Syl's dills. She said she made very good dill pickles. Nowhere in all the accolades sent out for Syl at this time did anyone mention "Syl's Dills" so I thought I would. She was indeed a woman of many talents and will be missed. I am very happy to have had those two encounters with her.

October 1, 2012

Emily Farnham

It is a great deal of sadness to hear of Syl's passing. It was a privilege to have known her for the past many years. Although I am unable to attend the celebration of her life, my thoughts are with her family and her many friends as they share wonderful memories during their time with her.

October 1, 2012

The Staff Central Animal Hospital

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our long time client and friend. She was always a joy to have visit our clinic and we were honored to be her choice of care for all of her 4-legged family members.

October 1, 2012

Steve Webster

To make the point that scientific advancements are largely based on the work of great scientists of the past, a speaker at a medical imaging conference that I was attending last week referenced a statement made by Bernard of Chartres in the twelfth century that "we are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they, and things at a greater distance, not by virtue of any sharpness of sight on our part, or any physical distinction, but because we are carried high and raised up by their giant size." After hearing of Syl's death, I thought about this quote and realized how applicable it was to her. Many have stood on her shoulders.

I then modified the quote slightly and thought of myself as the dwarf who, over the years, has been fortunate to have occasionally stood next to that giant. I am privileged to have been one of her students.

October 1, 2012

We mourn the loss of a good friend who made so many contributions to her province Bayne and Maureen Secord. Saskatoon

October 1, 2012

Janet McIvor

My Mother was very ill and in the hospital on the day of my U of S convocation. Following the formal convocation ceremony ,Sylvia, in her full Chancellor's attire,attended to my Mom's room and presented me with my degree , thus allowing my Mother to be part of my memorable day. To see the look of joy on my Mother's face that day is something that my family and I have never forgotten.
Only Sylvia would be that gracious and caring.

September 30, 2012

Bev Mann

What a wonderful and inspiring individual she was to all of us. I feel truly blessed to have called her friend.

September 30, 2012

Eleanor Miller Dilts

Gary and Michael, we are so very sorry to hear of Syl's passing. I have fond memories of her naming me an "Honorary Ukrainian". Our sincere condolences.
Eleanor

September 29, 2012

Irene Danaher

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51.She was one of the first women to receive cobalt treatments in Saskatchewan. My mother lived to age 93 without a recurrence of her cancer. I introduced myself to Sylvia in the east side London Drugs parking lot in Saskatoon. She was so pleased that I had told her my mother's story. She said it was wonderful to hear of her successful recovery. What a sincere,humble woman. Our family will be forever grateful to Sylvia for her brilliant efforts to help develop such a world renowned treatment. Rest in eternal peace.You certainly deserve it.

September 29, 2012

polly hass

God Bless her for all the good she has done //
a curling fan

September 29, 2012

What an incredible life lead by an incredible woman. God bless her soul.

September 29, 2012

Jean Clancy

Syl lived across the alley from Greystone Heights School. You would often see her attending assemblies or other special events. She never asked for fanfare, she came as a citizen of the neighbourhood. Whenever she was working in her yard she would talk to the students, and staff, to see how their day was going. I am thankful I had the opportunity to know her.

September 29, 2012

Bravo to a life well lived.
My condolances.

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