EDITORIAL: In memoriam: Walter Kwas(02/09/97)

EDITORIAL

In memoriam: Walter Kwas

Walter Kwas, the legendary manager of Soyuzivka, will be sorely missed by many friends, colleagues, acquaintances and others who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him at the Ukrainian National Association's upstate New York resort during the 28 years he was manager and afterwards.

Soyuzivka, that "little piece of Ukraine" in the Catskill Mountains, remained a part of Mr. Kwas' life even after he retired. It could not be otherwise as the resort was Mr. Kwas' life's occupation and his dream. He transformed the former sanitorium into a Ukrainian resort, a showcase for Ukrainian culture and talent. And he decorated it with Hutsul-style accoutrements reminiscent of the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine.

Soyuzivka's guests were his family, and the Ukrainian youths and young adults who each summer trekked to Soyuzivka to work during the busy season were Mr. Kwas' children.

Many of these youths today are leaders in our community. They have precious memories of Mr. Kwas, the Hutsul hospodar of Soyuzivka. Alexander Blahitka, today the treasurer of the UNA, recalled in an interview published last week that "the man helped literally thousands of Ukrainian youths become responsible adults, in addition to running a resort. ... Mr. Kwas helped our characters grow and kept us out of trouble."

Many of those former youths attended funeral services for Mr. Kwas on January 2-3. They recalled him as a tough boss, and as a father figure. Some boasted of how many times they had been told: "I give you fire." (Translation for the uninitiated: You're fired.) Others recalled how he took a personal paternal interest in each and every one of them. For example, one former office worker reminisced that it was Mr. Kwas who took her and several other girls to dinner - it was their first time in a fancy restaurant, and how he decided who would be roommates with whom (for the record, she and her roommate have been close friends ever since). Another recalled how the Soyuzivka manager also enjoyed the role of cupid. Who knows how many weddings he is personally responsible for!

He had a special concern for young people that was already evident from his interaction with them at Soyuzivka, as well as his promotion of youth camps, workshops and other special youth programs at the resort. But he also took an interest in and wholeheartedly supported youth organizations, especially Plast. In recognition of his multifaceted support, Plast awarded him the honorary title "Dobrodiy Plastu" (Benefactor of Plast). On the UNA Supreme Assembly, Supreme Advisor Kwas invariably was interested in youth issues, and it was on that body's committees and during UNA conventions that his voice could be heard.

Halyna Kolessa, a member of the Svoboda editorial staff who was once employed at Soyuzivka as master of ceremonies for entertainment programs and concerts, wrote in our Ukrainian-language sister publication that Mr. Kwas was "a Ukrainian patriot, a UNA activist and leader, and a man with a beautiful soul."

There were many other sides to the late Walter Kwas: Ulster County legislator, active member of the Lions' Club, activist of the United Way, Republican Committee chairman ... The list could go on. But no matter where he went, in Ukrainian circles and in the American milieu, Mr. Kwas left his mark.

Throughout his life, Mr. Kwas touched the lives of so many people. Now that he has passed on from this life, they feel a great loss. But they are comforted by the realization that they are lucky to have known a man like Walter Kwas.

Vichna Yomu Pamiat.

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