Stephen Lashchuk is a modest man who spent most of his working life as a locomotive engineer operating trains for the Canadian Pacific Railway.  He was born and raised in Point St. Charles in 1927, where his parents immigrated as part of the first wave of Ukrainian pioneers who left their homeland in search of a better life in Canada. 

As the centre of the Ukrainian community in “The Point”, Holy Ghost Parish was the focus of many social activities.  From a young age, Steve recognized the need to participate in the Ukrainian Community and in the 1940’s became President of the parish’s Ukrainian Catholic Youth Organization.  It was there that he met (Nadia) Nancy Onyshkewych, who served as secretary of the U.C.Y. and would become his wife in 1950.    

The Lashchuk and Onyshkewych families were a good match as both had a strong commitment to the spiritual and community life of Ukrainians in Montreal.

Steve’s father-in-law, (Ivan) John Onyshkewych was instrumental not only in the founding of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, but also The Ukrainian Villa and was co-founder of the Ukrainian Trident Golden Age Club.   

Following in his father-in-law’s footsteps, Steve sat on the Council of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and for many years, served as Vice-President to the late (Wasyl) Bill Hladky.  He has also donated his time and energy as a volunteer at the Ukrainian Villa.

One of his most notable achievements is his tireless service as President of the Ukrainian Trident Golden Age Club, a position which he has held for the past 16 consecutive years… with his wife Nancy still by his side as secretary.  He has graciously accepted the responsibility of ensuring that our seniors are active and entertained with bingo, bowling and regular annual outings and activities.

As if all of that was not enough, he also supports the fledgling St. Andrij the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Parish in the West Island, where they now live and attend Mass each week.  Steve and Nancy also participate in Bazaar preparations and he acts as parish photographer and archivist.

His devotion to community service has also influenced his 3 children – Carol, Mary Anne and Mark and his 2 grandchildren – Stephen and Simon, who all actively volunteer their time and talent in organizations in their respective communities.

Stephen Lashchuk is without a doubt, a pillar of our community.  It is his love of God, family and our Ukrainian heritage of which he is most proud and definitely deserving of this prestigious award of merit.