Oleksander ("Sashko") Chartchenko, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed community leader, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 94. Born on February 1, 1930, in the Krasnopill village, in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, Oleksander's life was marked by resilience, dedication, and service to his family and community.

Oleksander’s early life was shaped by resilience in the face of great hardship. His family endured the challenges of political persecution, the Holodomor, and war, ultimately finding refuge in a displaced persons camp in Germany. There, Oleksander completed high school and became deeply involved in the Ukrainian community before emigrating to Canada in 1951, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax.

In Canada, Oleksander pursued education and built a remarkable career, earning degrees from Ryerson Institute of Technology, the University of Toronto, and the University of Waterloo. He worked at General Motors, became an entrepreneur, and served as a journalist and broadcaster for CBC Radio Canada International. A devoted husband to Luba Chudiak, loving father to Vera Sokolowski (the late Leo) and Borys Chartchenko (Lydia Ruzycky), proud grandfather to Alexander Sokolowski, Sophia Sokolowski, Alexa Chartchenko, and Maksym Chartchenko, and caring great-grandfather to Leo and Zoya Maillet-Sokolowski. Oleksander gave tirelessly to the Ukrainian-Canadian community through leadership roles in ODUM, Ivan Franko Homes, Slovo, Association of Ukrainian Journalists and St. Volodymyr Cathedral, leaving an enduring legacy of love and service.

His passions extended beyond his professional and community work. Oleksander was an avid chess player, a skilled photographer, and a lover of literature, finding joy and meaning in the beauty of life’s intellectual pursuits.

Oleksander’s journey from a Ukrainian village to becoming a cornerstone of his community in Canada serves as a testament to his unwavering determination, dedication to his heritage, and lasting contributions. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and by the Ukrainian-Canadian community he so profoundly impacted.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 2nd from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Panakhyda service at 7:00 PM, at Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. West. The funeral service will take place Tuesday, December 3rd at 11:00 AM at All Saints of Ukraine Chapel, 1280 Dundas St. West, followed by interment at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unite With Ukraine (https://unitewithukraine.com/provide) or a charity of your choice.

May his memory be eternal. Царство небесне і вічна йому пам’ять.