3 minute read
Saskiw Family Reunion
Saskiw Family Reunion
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
A total of 205 descendants of Steve and Fedozia Saskiw attended The Saskiw Family Seventh Reunion at Borschiw Hall on July 15.
At this get together, it was noted that Steve and Fedozia have 342 descendants. This event was also meant to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Saskiw Family immigrating to Canada in 1903 from Ukraine.
The first reunion was held in July 1993 and the committee consisted of Adeline Palsitt, Adolph Saskiw, Harry Saskiw, Mike Saskiw, Patricia Mayko and Rose Hook.
On July 10, 1993, Deputy Prime Minister wrote a letter which stated, “The Saskiw Family has contributed to the dynamism and character of Canada and he salutes each and every member.”
For the July 15 2023, the reunion committee members were Dianne King Saskiw, Michelle Saskiw Henderson, Pat Mayko, Rose Hook and Sheryl Mayko.
Rose Hook, one of the oldest organizers, said she always loved family gatherings and 30 years later after the first reunion, this one felt like a dream came true for her. “I felt totally fulfilled. I was happy and very grateful that all these people came together to see each other and learn about each other’s lives.”
In the afternoon, Father Jim Nakonechny gave a service to honour and pray for the deceased members of the family at the Borschiw Ukrainian Catholic Church. Sheryl Mayko and Michelle Henderson were the emcees. One special guest was Consul General of Ukraine Oleksandr Danyleiko, who is from Edmonton, who presented a brief message.
The hearty dinner was catered by Gail and Ed Hryniw. Randy Saskiw did a short presentation on the history of the family. The event concluded with a short presentation of Ukrainian dancing performed by Caleb Zorniak, Cohen Zorniak, Kali Zorniak, Kalyna Palsitt, Annya Palsitt and Brianna Saskiw.
