Sawchuk, Oryst

Oryst Sawchuk died May 2 at Health Sciences North of complications from a successful heart procedure at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, which took place Jan. 24. Oryst was born in Winnipeg but lived in Sudbury most of his life. He was inspired by its working-class spirit and its rugged landscape. A man of the world with an international view, he never wanted to live anywhere else. As senior partner of Sawchuk Peach Associates Architects Planners, his architectural contributions include the Sudbury Transit Centre, the main fire hall in downtown Sudbury, Lo- Ellen Park Secondary School, and the N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre. He was most proud of his work as the designer of the original Grace Hartman Amphitheatre when Bell Park was extended in the mid-1960s. In 2001, he was chosen to design the national memorial to Canadians who fought for the republic in the Spanish Civil War. The monument is located on Green Island opposite Rideau Falls on the Rideau River in Ottawa. Oryst was an active member of the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s, and served as its president in the late 1980s. As chair of the Chamber’s art committee, he played a part in creating the Laurentian Museum and Art Gallery (now the Sudbury Art Gallery). He was influential in the Chamber’s purchase of a piece of public art, The Spirit of ’83. Located at the corner of Paris and Brady streets, the work of Canadian sculptor Colette Whiten celebrates the city’s 100th anniversary. Oryst championed the preservation and restoration of heritage buildings as monuments to Sudbury’s history. He served as chair of the city’s Heritage Advisory Committee and was a member of the city’s archives committee. He conducted the Jubilee Folk Ensemble and participated in or initiated numerous music, theatre and spoken word projects at the Association of United Ukrainian-Canadians’ Hall on Applegrove St. He is best known for his work as a visual artist and he is one of the people who laid the foundation for the city’s thriving arts community. In 2010 he was awarded a Community Builders Award for his contribution to the arts. In 2018, Thorneloe University also honoured him as an architect, artist and community leader. He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Sophia, who were immigrants from western Ukraine, and his brother Taras. He is survived by his loving partner of 25 years, Vicki Gilhula, his son Sergei and his wife Julie, his son’s mother, Natasha, and grandchildren Ivan and Viktor. He is remembered by his nephews James, Justin and Alexander. He is missed by his business partner of 60 years, Art Peach and his wife Louise. His life will be celebrated with family and friends at the Jubilee Centre, 195 Applegrove St. on Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 4 pm In lieu of flowers, donations to the Oryst Sawchuk Bursary at NOSM would be appreciated. For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheed.org