THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (03/30/03)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

OBITUARY: Michael Turko, tireless secretary of Branch 63

by Martha Lysko
UNA First Vice-President

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - One of the most prolific organizers of the UNA died quietly on Friday, February 28. Michael Turko, former secretary of Branch 63 in Ford City, Pa., was a secretary for more than 30 years. During this time he organized over 1,500 members and boasted one of the largest branches in the Pittsburgh District. Branch 63 often had three delegates to the convention.

The last UNA convention Mr. Turko attended was in 1998, when he served as sergeant-at-arms. In 1999, due to failing health and advancing age, he reluctantly relinquished his duties to Michael S. Turko, his son.

The elder Mr. Turko served as branch secretary from 1968 to 1999. Based on the total number of members he enrolled into the branch, it can be stated that he organized close to 50 members a year - a remarkable achievement and worthy of emulating.

Mr. Turko was born on September 19, 1920, to Theodore and Helen née Elash in Ford City. He spent his entire life in Ford City, except for service in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He returned to Ford City and became active in the community and the Ukrainian National Association. He coached Little League, and officiated at basketball games, and through these community activities he sought membership for the UNA and Branch 63. Because he was well-known, liked and respected in the community, he was very successful in enrolling members in the UNA.

One of Mr. Turko's hobbies was gardening, as the UNA Home Office came to find out. Every summer boxes of fresh garlic, onions and tomatoes would arrive from the Turko garden. We all enjoyed this fresh bounty.

I once asked him why he planted so much. He explained that it was not only a hobby but also a chance to make new contacts since he gave away much of what he harvested. This was one of the ways he found to reach out to people and sell them on the UNA and its insurance program. The secret of his success was knowing how to make contacts within the community. Once Mr. Turko established contact, no one could refuse him. His technique could serve many UNA secretaries today as a great example. His talent as an organizer and a devoted secretary will be sorely missed by the UNA.

Mr. Turko was laid to rest in Ford City, Pa. He is survived by his daughter, Camille, and son, Michael, with their families.

Young UNA'ers

Ariana Maria Shatynski, daughter of Maria and Joseph Shatynski of Whippany, N.J., is a new member of UNA Branch 142. She was enrolled by her grandparents John and Olga Shatynski, and was welcomed by her sister Julianna Rose, and her 10 cousins - all of whom are members of Branch 142.
Adrian Deputat, son of Kathy and Jurij Deputat, is a new member of UNA Branch 360 in Buffalo, N.Y. He was enrolled by his parents.
John Richard (Jack) Russell, son of Alina and John Russell of Lorton, Va., is a new member of UNA Branch 88. He was enrolled by his grandparents Marta and Richard Legeskis of Bethesda, Md.
Emiliya Taisa Smyk, seen above with her older sister (and fellow UNAer), Tetiana, 3, is a new member of UNA Branch 82. She was enrolled by her parents, Sonia and Andriy Smyk of Livonia, Mich.

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