ALEX LAWRYK

Alex passed away on October 10, 2025, due to heart disease. He leaves his loving wife and life companion of 50 years, Marilyn. Alex was born January 27, 1948, in Bielefeld, Germany, to Ukrainian refugees Michael and Ann Lawryk (née Daschko) and sister, Elizabeth, all deceased. Elizabeth is survived by her children, Justine Fedak and Dr. Paul Fedak, and their families. From 1972–1989, Alex was Chairman and CEO of Interact Communications. He bought out partners CJOH-TV, a CTV affiliate, after 15 years of successful operations and grew the company to become the largest advertising/public relations firm in Ottawa. The Ottawa Citizen referred to Alex as a pioneer of the advertising industry in the nation's capital. The company enjoyed a public and private sector client base of high tech, government, real estate development, and tourism hospitality. Notable clients were: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Get out the vote campaign "You Decide" (Agency of Record) Canada Post Montreal Olympics television campaign, "The World is Watching" (Agency of Record) Corel Systems: Draw software page creation/formatting Nortel: SPI switching system sales campaign Industry Science and Technology Canada: Canada Awards for Business Excellence Ottawa Congress Centre: convention/city marketing Perez Bramalea home sales and marketing Cambridge Shopping Centres 12 across Ontario National Arts Centre sponsorship marketing and promotions Central Canada Exhibition Association 22 years marketing and advertising (Agency of Record) Hyundai Canada public relations launch of the Pony automobile Oracle Canada shareholder and employee public relations Canadian Bar Association annual meeting marketing Four Seasons Hotel and Preferred Hotel Association advertising/marketing Health Canada/Canadian Public Health Association national launch of the award winning AIDS prevention campaign "The New Facts of Life" In 1989, Alex became Chairman of Gaming Entertainment Management (GEM) with a select group of clients, including Utilicorp United and Acart Communications. In 1997, Alex became a key lobbyist for the Ontario Slots at Racetracks program. He developed Rideau Carleton Raceway slots which became a win producer in Ontario. With respect for his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Alex believed a more purposeful memorial would be donations to the Canada Ukraine Foundation.