Railwayman, community activist.
Born at Jamnycia, Stanyslawiw, Western Ukraine on 4 March 1923 to Semen and Olena Jakymeczko, he was raised and received his education there. He farmed with his parents before beginning work for the Ukraine Railroad. In 1943, he enlisted with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, fighting for the freedom of Ukraine against the German and Russian armies. After his capture by the Hungarian Second Army, he fought against the Russian Army with the German Army.
On 18 June 1951, he immigrated to Canada and settled in Portage la Prairie. Here he began employment as a track maintainer with the Canadian National Railway, working for 35 years until his retirement in 1986. In 1956, he married Anne Naherny (1924-1990). In 1991, he married Anelia “Nellie” Jaworska Gumowsky (1923-2011) and they continued to live in Portage la Prairie.
He was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption at Portage la Prairie, and served as President and Secretary for the Parish Council. He was instrumental in the building of the new church, and was the founder and served as Treasurer for the Ukrainian Catholic Church Bingo. He also sang in the church choir, was a member of Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, Ukrainian Canadian League, benefactor of the Ukrainian Taras Shvenchenko Foundation, and a founder of the Ukrainian Education Cultural Centre at Winnipeg. In 2001, he joined the Knights of St. Vladimir.
His favorite pastimes were reading, working around the church, and helping neighbours. He and his wife Nellie sent care packages to relatives in Ukraine, and also travelled there together twice.
He died at Portage la Prairie on 20 July 2012 and was buried in the Hillside Cemetery.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 23 July 2012.
Anne Naherny Jakymezcko, FindAGrave.
Obituary [Nellie Jaworska Jakymeczko], Omega Funeral Home.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 6 May 2026
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