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Alex Hawryluk Obituary
Norfolk - Dr. Alex Hawryluk died Sunday May, 29, 2016 at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter Kate, surrounded by loved ones. Born 1929 in Westhampton, New York, Alex was one of four sons born to Maria Nabrezny and Prochor Hawryluk, Eastern European Immigrants.
Alex graduated as valedictorian from Westhampton Beach High School in 1947. He attended the College of Industrial & Labor Relations at Cornell University, where he earned his PhD in 1967. He taught at Old Dominion University for 26 years, from 1961-1987, in the School of Business. In 1963, Alex was one of two young ODU business professors who started The Tidewater Trading Post. Alex was the consummate academic, with a life-long love of learning, history, and reading.
Alex could do just about anything. He was a true Renaissance Man. From successfully installing Formica for the first time after reading an instruction manual, to replacing numerous home furnaces taking advantage of the laws of physics using pulleys and lifts, he was incredibly resourceful. He was a strong athlete. After closing the beaches because of rough surf, the lifeguards along with Alex and his brothers, loved to body surf the cold, rough waters off Long Island, to the awe of his kids and family.
Alex's passion for travel, languages, and adventure was an inspiration to others. Most important was his love for his family, expressed by the simple pleasures he enjoyed: making apple pies with kids and grandkids, cooking favorite ethnic foods from his childhood with friends and family, or enjoying a beautiful sunset with his wife, Patty, the love of his life.
He is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Patricia Graydon, brother Mike, sister-in-law Kathleen, children Sharon Tennyson, John Hawryluk, Kathryne Hawryluk and their respective spouses Mack Tennyson, Terry Hawryluk and Jeremy Marshburn, as well as seven granddaughters Sarah and Rebecca Tennyson, Anna Michel, Elizabeth Hawryluk, Allie and Emma Tennyson and Adelyn Marshburn.
A celebration of Alex's life will be held July 9.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Larry Moore
June 18, 2016
Dr. Hawryluk was one my instructors at ODU in '71. His professionalism and intelligence made him one of those teachers that you just don't forget. May he rest in peace.
Jeanne and John McDowell
June 5, 2016
Alex was the best man at our wedding and the best of friends. He helped John and I in both small and big ways. I will be forever thankful for the kind generous guidance he showed my brother, Pete. We are so grateful for the care he took with our duplex in our absence. Lots of wonderful memories of trips, bicycling, swimming, meals together, philosophical talks and many laughs. Our lives have been extremely enriched with the friendship of Alex and Patty.
Catherine Witt
June 4, 2016
Met Alex a couple years ago. Had some good conversations with him. He loved plants and gardening...we had that in common, so always had that to talk about.
Kent Queman
June 4, 2016
Over the last 40 years, bicycled many miles with Alex- most of the time barely hanging onto his back wheel. Swam a few laps with him- he had the most beautiful and powerful butterfly, seldom seen. I would listen to his conversations with Al Rollins and felt I was at the knees of wise and learned men. As stated, he was truly a renaissance man and a man's man.
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