John Duda

DUDA, John - 1922 - 2011 It is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Mr. John Duda, who died peacefully and surrounded by family on July 23, 2011. Born on February 5, 1922 in Wankowa, Ukraine, John arrived in Canada in 1949 with his wife and three young daughters. John and his wife Tekla built a new life in Canada and laid the foundation of prosperity for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A lifelong Ukrainian patriot, he instilled a love for his adopted country in his children and grandchildren. "Canada is the best country in the world," he was fond of saying. John was a gentle, caring man, who lived for his family. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a zest for life, whether in sharing a good joke, dressing smartly for church, discussing politics or taking up the accordion at 89 years of age. We are thankful for his long and full life and are happy that Giga is once again with Baba. John is survived by his daughters Oxanna, Gloria and Maria; his sons-in-law David, Andy and Dee; his grandchildren Christopher, Tamara, Tanya, Anthony, Paul and Tania; and his great-grandchildren Pia, Nicholas, Stefano, Georgia, Clare, Nate, Benjamin and Evan. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, July 26th at the Penetanguishene Funeral Home, 155 Main Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario (705-549-3155). Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m. and the religious service will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service. In memory of John, please consider a donation to the Ivan Franko Home for the Aged, 767 Royal York Road, Toronto, Ontario (416-239-7364).