Eugene Kruk
(July 8, 1931 - December 22, 1996)

Eugene Kruk was born in Montreal on July 8th, 1931, to first-generation Ukrainian-Canadian parents, Theodore and Stella Kruk. He was raised in a family of 4 boys and 1 girl in the multi-cultural Frontenac neighbourhood where the importance of strong family values, team spirit and higher education were instilled in his young mind.
A talented baseball player, at the age of 20, Gene was faced with a major life decision: accept an offer to join an American baseball farm team or further develop his growing interest in education and enter St. Joseph's Teachers College. A true believer in listening to your heart, this responsible youth followed his inner calling and embarked upon his career as educator and administrator.
Armed with 3 university degree (Bachelor of Arts-Concordia, Bachelor of Education - University of Montreal, Masters in Educational Administration - McGill University) and 2 diplomas in Education (University of Montreal), Gene was well equipped to face the wide variety of fulfilling challenges and learning experiences encountered during his 34-year tenure at the Montreal Catholic School Commission (MCSC).
In 1952, he began his teaching career as a Grade 6 elementary teacher at Olier-St. Brendan's, then at St. Columbans where in 1956 he taught the first MCSC mixed class. In 1957, he became the Latin specialist at D'Arcey McGee High School.
His administrative career began in 1963 when he was named Vice-Principal of St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School followed by Belmont School in 1964. Proud of his ethnic background, Gene was the first Ukrainian-Canadian to become a School Principal in the Montreal area when he was named Principal of St. Brendan's in 1965.
In 1969, Gene moved on to Pius X to become Vice-Principal at the High School level. The next year marked the start of his 16-year experience as a High School Principal when he was named Principal of Cardinal Newman. In 1972, Gene moved on to assume the responsibility of principal at Msgr. Harold Doran and later, 1979, at Holy Names High School.
As his career brought him to many different school areas, Gene became a guiding force to many of Montreal's east-end baby boomer youth, many who remember him fondly as a fair, caring and involved educator. How many times, upon meeting someone be it in the medical, professional, business or sports field, family members would often hear, "Do you know Mr. Kruk? He was my teacher/principal? What a nice man!"
Eugene Kruk was not only a nice man, he was a dedicated man who was a true believer in getting involved and making things happen. Among many of his community efforts, Gene was a founding member of The Father Jean Foundation and Ukrainian Quebec Amateur Golf Association. His community leadership also included being President of the Ukrainian Catholic Men's Association, Vice-President of the Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary
Church Committee and Chairman of the Building Committee of the parish residence.
Upon early retirement from the MCSC in 1986, Gene embarked on a second career in the Far North, with the mandate to co-ordinate the personnel and programs of French Immersion in Yellowknife, N.W.T. schools. Gene thoroughly enjoyed his time up North as it provided him with the opportunity to forge new roads and be involved once again with captivating young minds. After a four-year contract, Gene returned home to family and friends where he continued to be actively involved in the Scholarship, Golf Tournament and the Ukrainian Villa Committees. In his spare time, he was an avid follower of current events and enjoyed his rounds of golf.
Hoping to encourage a new generation of Ukrainian-Canadians to embrace the Ukrainian Catholic rites and traditions as part of life in the 90's, Gene was a key leader in the founding of the St. Andrij the Apostle Parish on the West Island.
Gene married Helen Kucharyszyn in 1954 and raised a family of 4 girls instilling in them the family and educational values he so strongly believed were necessary for personal success. A devoted grandfather to his 4 grandchildren, Gene thoroughly enjoyed helping them learn and looked forward to their continuing growth.
Eugene Kruk died on December 22nd, 1996. Although he continues to be missed by all those whose lives he touched, his legacy as a dedicated, respected leader lives on.