It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nestor Steven Baranyk, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, on Monday, May 29th, 2023, at St. Joseph's Hospice with his family by his side.
Nestor was born on April 28th, 1945, in Shoal Lake, Manitoba, where he met his wife Beverly of 57 years. He later moved to Kenora, Ontario, where he began his career with the Ministry of Transportation. After 5 years, he was transferred to Kingston, then Burlington, and finally Thunder Bay, where he completed his 31-year career with the Ministry of Environment.
At the age of 49, Nestor was not ready to retire. He took on the project with St. Andrew's Cemetery and facilitated the construction of Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. After completing that project, he ventured into entrepreneurship with his wife and established a successful business, Hands On Car Wash and Detailing, which thrived for 25 years until he was no longer able to.
Nestor was a very spiritual man who always trusted in his faith. He was a 4th Degree Life member with the Knights of Columbus, a member of St. George's Society, and a faithful parishioner of Holy Cross Church. For 25 years, he served as the chairman of the Venyanka Ukrainian Dance Group, taking the troupe on numerous performances outside of town, including England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Arizona, and eventually Ukraine, where he was able to reconnect with his family roots.
Nestor enjoyed adventuring with his wife, cooking traditional Ukrainian food, engaging in outdoor activities with family and friends, and most of all, spending time with his 4 Chihuahuas, whom he affectionately referred to as his "kids."
Nestor was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Mable Baranyk, his baby brother Edward, his sister Victoria, and his in-laws, Michael and Josephine Saranchuk. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Oscar Badanai.
Nestor is survived by his wife, Beverly (nee Saranchuck), his children Michael, Christopher, and Candace (Lawrence Badanai), his grandchildren Cody, Kelsey, Lyric, and Miss Emmy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bernard Chastko, and several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Al-Katari, Dr. Bukovy, Tony (Tank), and the staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care for their exceptional care. A heartfelt thank you also goes to St Joseph's Hospice for the care and comfort shown to Nestor and his family.
At his request cremation has taken place.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6th, at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Church (Victoria Ave). Visitation will take place at Blake's Funeral Chapel (May St) on Monday, June 5th, between 6:00-8:00 pm.
In memory of Nestor, donations can be made to Hospice Northwest.
"Say not in grief 'he is no more' but in thankfulness that he was."
Vichnaya Pamyat.
