Steve (Stefan) Orest Andrusiak
August 2, 1950 - September 5, 2023
Steve (Stefan) Orest Andrusiak, cherished father and husband, has passed away at age 73, on September 5, 2023.
He is predeceased by his parents, Maria Leskiw and Mykola Andrusiak. Stefan is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Larysa, and his three beautiful children: Natalie, Michael (wife Danielle and baby-to-be), and Paul (wife Meghan and grandson Jacob). He is also remembered by his two cousins, Andrea Leskiw and Mary Pawlus.
Stefan was born August 2nd, 1950 in Montreal. He was a devout Habs fan and always felt Montreal to be his home at heart.
Steve is a founding member of the illustrious Ukrainian band Rushnychok, which took the Ukrainian Diaspora in North America and beyond by storm. With their modern take on traditional melodies and patriotic compositions of their own, along with their colourful costumes and commanding stage presence, they delighted audiences through the 1970s. Their 5 albums are still widely accessed on streaming services.
Journalism was his greatest passion. He graduated with a BA from Concordia University. He then took Graduate Courses at the School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, and holds a Masters of Education degree from the University of Toronto.
He began his career in Toronto on the writing desk of CTV National News, working for Lloyd Robertson and Harvey Kirk. He moved on to report for CFRN Radio and Television in Edmonton and was recruited by the CBC. The National News ran his stories regularly – on the Hinton train crash, the trial of Jim Keegstra, the Gainers Meat Packers’ Strike and John Paul’s first visit to Canada. He became Executive News Director at Windsor’s TV 9, which produced two hours of news and information programming every week night. He worked briefly in Detroit at WXYZ-TV and WDIV- TV, before moving his young family to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and became Executive News Director of the PEI Newsroom.
While at the CBC, Stefan co-authored an updated Radio Television News Directors Association Code of Ethics. He was also a Vice President for Canada of the Radio Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) and Canadian Representative to the International RTNDA Board.
In London, Ontario, Stefan served as Dean, then Chair, of Communication Arts at Fanshawe College, overseeing 11 post-secondary and graduate programs, as well as the construction and design of the new campus Media Arts Building. He was responsible for starting a Theatre Arts program and collaborating and launching a joint degree-diploma program with Western University in Media.
He later taught Media Ethics and Journalism at Western University and served as Regional Councillor for TVO: Ontario’s education network for 13 years.
Upon retirement, Stefan launched, wrote and published “Story Village”, an East London, Ontario weekly paper. In May of 2016, he became a volunteer at Radio Western at Western University. “Nasha Kasha” was born: a 28-minute English language radio program about Ukrainian life and the extraordinary stories of regular people, warm and sustaining like Kasha, a cereal surely all Ukrainians were nourished with. There were no commercials on this program which was freely offered to radio stations throughout Canada. It was carried at 19 community radio stations in all provinces except PEI and Alberta. Stefan loved traveling North America, meeting regular people of all ages and backgrounds to hear and record their incredibly fascinating and moving stories. He completed 300 episodes.
Stefan and his family are proud of their Ukrainian heritage. Apart from the indelible contribution to the music and culture of Ukrainian life in North America and beyond of the Rushnychok Band, they were recognized on multiple occasions including a Special Achievement Award at the First Ukrainian Contemporary Music Awards in Edmonton and the FR Jean Foundation Award for Service in 2015.
Stefan served as Parish Council President: Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church in London (2010-2012); as Vice President: Ukrainian Canadian Congress, London Branch for many years and was President: Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ontario Council from 2012-2015.
He is proud to have written the lyrics, with music by Igor Zhyliak, to a song entitled Edna Star, an anthem about Ukrainian settlement in Canada, which was first presented at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival in September 2011.
Stefan participated in experiences that were very memorable for him. He had been a Scouts Canada Leader when his boys were young. His moniker was Hawthie, the wise elephant. He was a regular participant in morning fitness classes organized by the Retirement Research Association at Western University.
He was a part of a not-for-profit team founded by his friend Zenon Andrusyszyn that reproduced exact copies of the beautiful carvings of Canadian WWI soldiers from an underground hideout near Vimy Ridge. This project honours and commemorates these heroes in that seminal battle.
Stefan was a member of the Knights of Columbus in London, Ontario. His association and friendship with the many fine men of that organization has meant so very much to him.
Through his journey with cancer in 2023, Stefan was honoured when his long-time friends from across Canada made trips to visit, reminisce, laugh and offer support to one another. Family visited from California and Phoenix, including his 90-year-old mother-in-law. His children and their partners were so very loving and supportive. He took great joy in his grandson, Jacob. Stefan was also overjoyed to learn that son Michael with wife Danielle are expecting their first baby! Stefan’s wife and love, Larysa, was there every step of the way. He felt blessed, grateful for the life he was granted, and at peace with it being time to “put a bow on it”.
We will miss him greatly.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church, 707 Nelson Street, London on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Stefan are asked to consider Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church (Building Fund) (cheques can be mailed to 707 Nelson St., London, ON, N5Z 1J8), St. Joseph’s Hospice, or the Music Program at Fanshawe College.
Leave a tribute for Steve (Stefan) Orest Andrusiak
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I'd like to offer my condolences to the family and friends. As a Montrealer, I remember Steve from Rushnychok and from later TV appearances. More recently, I enjoyed listening to the professionally produced Nasha Kasha. I liked Steve's optimistic approach as well as his penchant to tell it like it is and not gloss over unpleasantries. People like him are not that commonplace. As such, he will be missed indeed. Vichna yomu pamiat!
As a chronicler of Ukrainian-Canadian zabava band history, I have intensively researched bands from across Canada. Time, and time again, the name "Rushnychok" emerges as the major influence of musicians who witnessed the band's rise as the preeminent Ukrainian zabava band for a new generation of teens. In the 1970s, Rushnychok helped Montreal earn its reputation as "The Zabava Capital" of North America, and usher in a new "higher" standard for zabava music. Stefan's talent, knowledge, dedication, ethics, and Ukrainian pride, stand out as a great asset to the greater Ukrainian-Canadian community. A one of a kind person who will be tremendously missed. Вічна йому пам'ять.
On behalf of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association I would like to extend our condolences and express our sympathies to Steve's family and friends. Regards, Sandra Detering, FCRA President
Larysa, my deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family during these hard and sad times. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please accept my deepest condolences to Larysa and family for their loss. Steve contributed greatly to his community, and enriched so many with his gifts. God bless.
We were so sad to hear of Stephan's illness & passing. We send our deepest condolences to Larysa, Natalia, Michael, Paul & the rest of the family. We have many fond memories of Stephan from Windsor & P.E.I. He was especially happy with his family & proud of his Ukrainian heritage. Наша Каша was a delight to listen to. Вічная Пам'ять. Martha & Myron Pylypiak & family
My condolences to Larysa and her family on the passing of such a remarkable man who made the most of each moment of his life. He leaves a rich legacy for his Ukrainian culture and all who had the pleasure to know him.
Deepest condolences to Larysa and her family on loss of this amazing person who so enriched the community and was such a wonderful ambassador for Ukrainian culture and heritage. He packed so many exceptional accomplishments into his life while raising a family and being a devoted husband. His talent and commitment to community will be sorely missed. May his memory be eternal.
Bon voyage Steve, we had great discussions and shared many laughs. Your legacy is immense at the CBC, in your community and with family and friends. You are at peace and have been welcomed by the family that have left before you. Claire Hendy
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Dear Larysa and Family, My deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. What a loss to bear! I will always remember Stefan as a kind, sensitive, helpful, generous, and very decent human being. He was also a very modest man - not one to seek the limelight or the credit - but always there to assist and support as needed. His accomplishments are many and he leaves an incredible legacy in many communities. He went much too young but boy, did he ever lead a full and rich life in the years he did have! I've been listening to Rushnychok albums this past week trying to recapture that spirit, those memories of days gone by. I smile as I cry listening to the tunes that so touch the heart. Thank you, Stefane, for all that you gave us! You will be missed but not forgotten. In sympathy and prayer....
Dear Larysa and Family, A long time ago Stefan and I were in the same classes at Saturday Ukrainian School. We attended the same church with our families. This was our way of being Ukrainian and also acknowledging the country Canada that we lived in. We were taught to go out into the world and to do good. Stefan did that very well, not for show but out of love and with joy because that was who he was. May God bless him for it and comfort you his beloved family and friends at this difficult time. May each of you find your own purpose and peace. May God keep you all in His loving gentle care. Вічная Пам'ять! Eternal and Blessed Memory!
Dear Larysa and family, Please accept our sincerest condolences on Stefan's passing away. Stefan was as fine, kind and genuine a person as I have ever known. His contributions to his community and his generosity of spirit with those he worked with are a testament to the legacy of memories that he leaves behind for us. He will be remembered and thought of in our prayers. May he rest in peace. Vlodko and Win
I was lucky enough to meet and work with Steve through COLD-fX. He was wonderful to have as a colleague, smart as a whip, but always cheerful and big-hearted. I send my sincere condolences to his family, his many friends, and the Ukrainian communities across Canada and the world. We are all the poorer for his loss.
My heart is breaking with the passing of a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He began his journalism career as a reporter working for me at Edmonton’s CTV station after spending some time as a writer at CTV Toronto. He then followed me when I joined the CBC-TV network where he later became a news director in both Windsor and Charlottetown. His writing shone, his ethics were a model, his compassion was always glowing, his intellect was something to admire, his smile was always welcoming. I’m devastated by his passing - I was honoured to call him a friend. I mourns with Larysa and the family.
Saddened to hear of Steve's passing. My condolences to his family. He was truly an inspiration to others. Knew him in Montréal and interviewed him in Vegerville, Alberta, in the summer of 1975 for The Calgary Herald.
My most sincere condolences to Larysa and the whole family. I was lucky enough to have known Stephen at Cardinal Newman High School in Montreal, where we spent 4 years together. I am sorry that I was not aware of his illness. I am saddened to learn of his death and convey my heartfelt condolences to every member of his family.
I worked at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies where Steve taught for a time. It was always a pleasure to work with and just the nicest man. He loved what he did and that showed everyday. Heart felt sympathy to all his family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Such a nice man I am certain he will be missed by many. Thinking of you Larysa and family. Randy and Becky Denning
My heart, thoughts and condolences are with Larysa and the entire family. It was my honour to work for and with Steve at CBC TV News Windsor and again in Charlottetown. He was a conscientious, decent, warm, tremendously dedicated journalist, colleague and leader. I miss him.
So sorry to hear of Stefan’s passing. We had two things in common, we both worked at CBC, and both played in Ukrainian zabava bands. I was with CBC television in Toronto for 32 years, and in my youth played in Vlodko Brechun’s band in Toronto. Rushnychok from Montreal was our competition, they had nice costumes and they sang; we just played, albeit very well. Our paths never crossed until we met in 2011. Stefan and Igor Zhylyak wrote the piece Edna Star commemorating the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian Pioneer settlement in Canada. It was performed at the Bloor West Ukrainian Festival on the September 17, 2011 weekend. A stellar group of musicians was assembled to perform the piece, and I was honored to be a part of that truly unforgettable musical experience. Baritone Christopher Dunham on lead vocals, Stefan on drums, Igor Zhylyak on bayan, Carissa Klopoushak on violin, Brian Cherwick on the tsymbaly, your truly Roman Beley on bass, and vocals by Theresa Sokyrka. I can honestly say the experience was a checkmark on my bucket list. Stefan was a very gifted and caring individual who supported the Ukrainska hromada and its causes. We’re all saddened to see him leave us way too soon. To Пані Лариса and the rest of the family, “Моє глибоке снівчуття, Вічна Йому Пам’ять”. Ray (aka Roman) Beley
I was briefly acquainted with Steve during his time at CBET-TV, Windsor and got to know him better during his short (far too short) stay at the Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of Windsor. I am happy to have known him. My condolences to family and friends.
Dear Larysa, how words fail me, seeing Steve's photograph -- how beautifully it captures him -- and knowing he no longer walks among us. My heart aches for the void you must endure without him. I will hold ever tighter to, and revisit more often, the many memories I have of Steve and the comfort and pleasure I took, simply being in his presence. You are in my thoughts, oh, how you are in my thoughts. May it be that your memories of Steve and your rich life together, along with the care and comfort of the people who loved him, will likewise, comfort you.
Eternal Memory! Вічная Памʼять! Deepest condolences - Stefan thanks for your gift of music and for your support throughout the years! ZIRKA loved you and Rushnychok!
Stefan I will truly miss you. And yes, you are my cousin. Vichnaya Pam’yat.
Steve is apreciated for his contributions to so many organizations. He is remembered by so many.
Services for Steve (Stefan) Orest Andrusiak
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
September 10, 2023 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Funeral Mass will be held at:
Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church
707 Nelson Street,
London, Ontario
September 11, 2023 10:00 am
Interment will be held at:
St. Peter's Cemetery
806 Victoria Street,
London, Ontario
September 11, 2023 11:30 am
Additional Service information
Prayers at visitation are at 7:00 p.m.
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A man of principle. I am wiser and a better person for having known him. May he rest in peace.
~ Gerry Phelan