Obituary of ANDREW OGARANKO

ANDREW D. M. OGARANKO, Q.C. FEBRUARY 14, 1949 - AUGUST 30, 2012 In the early morning of August 30, Andrew Ogaranko, beloved husband and father, passed away in his sleep from sudden cardiac failure. A vital man so full of life at age 63, it was much too soon. Andrew was born to Claudia (Bak) and Michael Ogaranko, hard-working emigrants from Ukraine. Andrew was predeceased by them in 1989 and 1977 respectively. Andrew is survived by his wife Cheryl and daughters Alexis and Lindsey - his three girls who he loved dearly. He also enjoyed 15 years with his other "girl", pet dog Alie, who enriched all their lives until her recent passing. Andrew will be sadly missed by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hope and Earl Gibbons, his sisters-in-law, Lisa Gibbons and Glenda Krueger and brother-in-law Ralph Krueger, niece and nephew, Geena and Justin Krueger, and numerous cousins and extended family in Canada and Ukraine, as well as many friends. Andrew grew up in Winnipeg's north end, and surrounded by his parents' hair salon on Selkirk Avenue, acquired the tools of business. He learned the art of negotiation from his father who taught him "if you don't ask, you don't get." He graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba in 1974 and to this day maintained friendships from his TKE fraternity. Andrew was called to the Bar in 1975 and appointed Queen's Counsel at a young age in 1985. He began his practice with Tupper Adams and after a few years moved to the law firm now known as Pitblado LLP, where he excelled to senior partner and former managing partner. He will be missed by partners, coworkers and the clients he served so well. Andrew was a proud Winnipegger and Canadian and was active in community and charitable endeavours since his school years. He served his community in many capacities including: National Arts Centre - Ottawa, Advisory Committee on Judicial Appointments for Manitoba, City of Winnipeg Arts Advisory Council, Canada-Manitoba Advisory Committee on Communications and Cultural Enterprises, St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, The Ukrainian Theatre, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Prairie Theatre Exchange - Capital Campaign, Carpathia Credit Union, United Way of Winnipeg, Osvita Foundation. Andrew was invited to Israel to witness the trial of John Demjanjuk and to search for ways of healing the rift between Canada's Jewish and Ukrainian communities. Andrew was an explorer at heart, journeying intellectually, geographically, athletically, culturally and experientially. Andrew Ogaranko loved life and lived well. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. Words cannot describe how greatly he will be missed. He was an exemplary lawyer, respected community leader and nurturing friend, but above all Andrew was a loving and dedicated husband and father. Andrew loved his family time at Lake of the Woods and referred to it as heaven on earth. They explored by powerboat, canoe, sailboat, bike and foot. A competitive game of beach volleyball would often break out at the destination. Andrew had a love and respect for nature and would welcome hornet nests, spiders and bats - "they're all one of God's little creatures". He looked forward to his annual camping trip with his young daughter, Alexis and wanted to teach her to be prepared, like a "Boy Scout". Andrew enjoyed watching Lindsey catch all the fish and loved nothing better than the hugs he got from Cheryl riding on the back of the Sea-Doo. Breaking bread with the treasured people in his life at the cottage or their Winnipeg home was paramount. Those who knew Andrew quickly appreciated his kindness, his warmth and his smile. He was a gracious and elegant host. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed food having taken cooking courses and a former member of Les Marmitons, a club with an interest in fine food and culinary arts. He appreciated art, live theatre and music. He was a member of the Winnipeg Squash Club and enjoyed many exhilarating games. Andrew was looking forward to his annual downhill ski trip to Whistler with his BOS group. He adored travel and he and Cheryl enjoyed many unforgettable trips. Andrew wanted to do a family trip to SCUBA dive in Belize next spring. Our time with Andrew was cut short and he will be forever loved and forever missed. Prayers will be held on Friday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of Sts. Vladimir and Olga, 115 McGregor Street. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Cathedral with Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mitrat Michael J. Buyachok presiding. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. Condolences and donations may be offered at www.cropo.com/book-of memories/1329144/OGARANKO-ANDREW/index.php In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of these charitable organizations: The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre Vichnaya Pam’yat