In Celebration of
Orest Taras Ruzycky
January 13, 1936 - February 19, 2025
Orest Ruzycky, born January 13, 1936, passed away peacefully at Humber River Hospital on Wednesday February 19, 2025 at the age of 89.
Beloved husband of Nadia (Late). Loving mother of Zenon (Anne-Marie), Roman, Adrian (Roksolana), Evhan, Bohdan (Jenn). Cherished Grandfather of Michael (Caitlin), Stephen, Tamara, Matthew, Luka (Late), Maksym, Anton, Nika, Alexander, Gabriel, and great Grandfather of Barrett.
Orest immigrated to Canada from Ukraine at the age of ten with his brother Myron and parents, Olexander and Evhenia. In October 1959, he married Nadia, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and family.
One of Orest’s first jobs was at Massey Ferguson, an agricultural equipment manufacturer. Seeking to further his career, he attended Radio College of Canada and, in approximately 1958, joined CBC, where he developed a 35-year career as an Audio-Visual and Color Correction Technician. He later enhanced his expertise with a certificate from DeVry Institute of Technology.
Throughout his time at CBC, Orest worked on numerous projects, including The Johnny Cash Show, The National, Francophone Radio, Hockey Night in Canada, and Fraggle Rock. He played an integral role as a video technologist on the entire five-season run of Fraggle Rock, which was primarily filmed at CBC Studios in Toronto.
His work at CBC brought him into contact with many notable Canadians, including Knowlton Nash, Peter Mansbridge, and various musicians through The Johnny Cash Show. He also crossed paths with Jim Henson, Lionel Richie, John Wayne, Geddy Lee, and Bob and Doug McKenzie, among others.
Outside of work, Orest enjoyed time camping at Lake Temagami, a tradition the family proudly continues today. In 1970, alongside his father and father-in-law, Wasyl Bahry, he built a beloved family cottage, the site of countless memorable family gatherings, and scene of many spirited and timeless celebrations.
An avid sports fan, Orest played soccer in his younger years for Team Ukraina. He was a devoted supporter of the Maple Leafs, Argos, and Blue Jays, rarely missing a game on TV or radio. He also had a passion for chess, once finishing as the runner-up in the CBC national championship—a title he narrowly missed due to a single regrettable move.
Together with Nadia, Orest raised five boys—Zenon, Roman, Adrian, Evhan, and Bohdan—who, often challenged him and never failed to keep his life interesting. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories, along with ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Orest will be deeply missed, having succumbed to complications of dementia at the age of 89. His spirit lives on in the stories, traditions, and love shared by those he leaves behind.
Visitation is arranged for Wed 26Feb 6-8pm at Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St W, Etobicoke. Panachyda at 7pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Ukrainian Canadian Care Center chapel, 60 Richview Rd, at 11am on Thursday 27Feb. Internment at Sanctuary Park Cemetary, 1570 Royal Yorke Rd (West side, N of Lawrence)
Beloved husband of Nadia (Late). Loving mother of Zenon (Anne-Marie), Roman, Adrian (Roksolana), Evhan, Bohdan (Jenn). Cherished Grandfather of Michael (Caitlin), Stephen, Tamara, Matthew, Luka (Late), Maksym, Anton, Nika, Alexander, Gabriel, and great Grandfather of Barrett.
Orest immigrated to Canada from Ukraine at the age of ten with his brother Myron and parents, Olexander and Evhenia. In October 1959, he married Nadia, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and family.
One of Orest’s first jobs was at Massey Ferguson, an agricultural equipment manufacturer. Seeking to further his career, he attended Radio College of Canada and, in approximately 1958, joined CBC, where he developed a 35-year career as an Audio-Visual and Color Correction Technician. He later enhanced his expertise with a certificate from DeVry Institute of Technology.
Throughout his time at CBC, Orest worked on numerous projects, including The Johnny Cash Show, The National, Francophone Radio, Hockey Night in Canada, and Fraggle Rock. He played an integral role as a video technologist on the entire five-season run of Fraggle Rock, which was primarily filmed at CBC Studios in Toronto.
His work at CBC brought him into contact with many notable Canadians, including Knowlton Nash, Peter Mansbridge, and various musicians through The Johnny Cash Show. He also crossed paths with Jim Henson, Lionel Richie, John Wayne, Geddy Lee, and Bob and Doug McKenzie, among others.
Outside of work, Orest enjoyed time camping at Lake Temagami, a tradition the family proudly continues today. In 1970, alongside his father and father-in-law, Wasyl Bahry, he built a beloved family cottage, the site of countless memorable family gatherings, and scene of many spirited and timeless celebrations.
An avid sports fan, Orest played soccer in his younger years for Team Ukraina. He was a devoted supporter of the Maple Leafs, Argos, and Blue Jays, rarely missing a game on TV or radio. He also had a passion for chess, once finishing as the runner-up in the CBC national championship—a title he narrowly missed due to a single regrettable move.
Together with Nadia, Orest raised five boys—Zenon, Roman, Adrian, Evhan, and Bohdan—who, often challenged him and never failed to keep his life interesting. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories, along with ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Orest will be deeply missed, having succumbed to complications of dementia at the age of 89. His spirit lives on in the stories, traditions, and love shared by those he leaves behind.
Visitation is arranged for Wed 26Feb 6-8pm at Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St W, Etobicoke. Panachyda at 7pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Ukrainian Canadian Care Center chapel, 60 Richview Rd, at 11am on Thursday 27Feb. Internment at Sanctuary Park Cemetary, 1570 Royal Yorke Rd (West side, N of Lawrence)