Obituary for
George Lastiwka
Born March 19, 1937, George Lastiwka passed away on April 30, 2021 in Edmonton, at the end of tax season and sadly the end for a “DG” accountant.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Margaret; his three daughters and two sons, Vicky (Harold) Ganske, Cindy Lastiwka, Wendy (Ernie) Martin, Kelly Lastiwka and Michael Lastiwka; stepchildren, Debbie (Clayton) Duffy, Kerry (Janice) Weeks, Colleen (Herb) Weeks, and John Mulka; sister, Mary Watamanuk; grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Predeceased by his parents, Wasyl and Wasylena Lastiwka; brothers, Alex Semeniuk, John Lastiwka and Steve Lastiwka; sisters, Kay Fillipizi and Anna Miskell.
George grew up on the family farm outside of Smoky Lake. His father Wasyl immigrated to Canada at age two from the Ukraine. His maternal grandmother emigrated from Austria; his mother, Wasylena was born and grew up on the family farm in the Lamont area.
George’s first career path was teaching grades one through eight at Log Cabin #4743. His entrepreneurial spirit had him supplementing his teacher’s salary by transporting seven children to and from school, a move that paid more than his teaching salary. After teaching, George became a civil servant, really not his style, and enrolled by correspondence in the University of Saskatchewan’s hospital administration course. His last career move, opening his own company as a public accountant, was his true calling and he loved nothing more than finding ways to keep his client’s money away from the tax department! During this time, he continued to look for new opportunities and ventured into satellite installations, off-shore company management and land reclamation.
George loved a good card game, and no family gathering was complete without it. With the clearing of supper dishes came the familiar “who’s ready for some cards”, and as our family gatherings expanded with new grandchildren, each was educated in how to play one or more of grandpa’s favorites. He loved sharing a joke across the miles through email with friends and family. He kept in touch, through a laugh, with those he had met throughout his life whether clients over the years that turned into friends, or new friends he made while wintering with Margaret in the South. He also submitted jokes to the CFCW radio show Zabava (fun) program that provided the Ukrainian music and heritage he so much enjoyed.
George and Margaret’s moves and travels during the last two decades allowed them to indulge in their passion for golf, summer or winter George would find a course to play on. While they proudly display their family pictures on the wall, they also display their hole-in-one certificates. The next time you are on the green or just passing by your local golf course- remember George, his love of family, his friendship and of course his sense of humor.
As per George’s last wishes his body has been cremated and no formal service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Golf Canada Foundation or your favorite charity.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de George
Lastiwka 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Lamont, Province: Alberta