Paul Humniski

Father Deacon Paul Humniski peacefully passed away with family and friends by his side, on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at West Park Health Care Centre at the age of 70. Beloved husband of Irene (nee Skremetka) and loving father to Anne-Marie (Andre), Johnathan, Stephen, and Christina (Andrew). Loving grandfather to Collin, Sophia, Mikyta, and Julian. Survived by brothers Frank (Diane) in Winnipeg and Greg (Rose) in Edmonton, and mother in law Stella (Skremetka). We are certain he has joined his loving mother, Stefa, and brave father, Mike (who predeceased his son by 12 hours), in heaven.

Paul was born in North End of Winnipeg in 1941, and attended Sisler high school. He then obtained his BSc, BA, MSc in microbiology and PhD in biochemistry from the University of Manitoba. During these years, he was also a avid football player at the high school, university and community level. He married Irene in 1968, and with their young child Anne-Marie they moved to London Ontario. After the birth of their second child, Johnathan, he obtained his post doctorate degree in biochemistry. Following completion of his MBA at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, he and his family moved to the GTA where he then worked as Product Manager at Glaxo laboratories. Following the birth of his two youngest children, Stephen and Christina, Paul's maverick and entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to open Baba's Kitchens, specializing in Ukrainian foods and Catering. Over the ensuing 10 years his business excelled, although his devoted family did eventually tire of perogie-eating contests every Friday!

Paul touched many lives through his spiritual ministry serving as a deacon in the Ukrainian Catholic Church within The Eparchy of Toronto, devoting much of his time to serving at St. Elias Parish in Brampton, and the Holy Mother of God Monastery in Orangeville. We have many fond memories of Paul in his chef's hat, cooking paella for Ukrainian Christmas and filling the house with wonderful stories and his sense of humour. Although he was hospitalized for the past 3.5 years, Paul and Irene remained positive and continued to find joy in daily life. That he was able to attend his younger daughter’s wedding in 2010, as well as his younger grandson's baptism in 2009, were memories we will all cherish. During his journey to holiness, God granted Paul and Irene a renewed sense of strength and love in the Joy of the Lord. Throughout his ordeal in the hospital, Paul remained dedicated to helping and encouraging everyone with his prayers, and continues to be an inspiration to us all!

Friends will be received at St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church for prayers on Wednesday March 14 from 4-9pm and funeral on Thursday March 15 at 1pm. We sincerely thank all the staff and physicians at William Osler Health Centre Brampton Campus, Bridgepoint Healthcare Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto Grace Hospital, and West Park Healthcare Centre. Special thanks to clergy, friends and family, who strongly supported Father Paul throughout his final years in hospital. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pysanka Orphanage in Ukraine.
http://kosakolektiv.com/pysanka-projekt/pysanka-orphanage/