OTTAWA – Gene Zwozdesky, former speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, former member of the Legislative Assembly, and long-time Ukrainian Canadian community leader and volunteer, died on January 6. He was 70.
Mr. Zwozdesky was a member of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly from 1993 to 2015. He served as a minister in Alberta’s Cabinet in several portfolios. In 2012-2015, he was speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
Mr. Zwozdesky spearheaded the recognition in Alberta of the Holodomor as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people, a significant contribution to increasing education and knowledge about the Famine-Genocide in Canada.
Mr. Zwozdesky’s passion for Ukrainian culture, dance and music was combined with a deep dedication to community service. For many years, he was the musical director of the Shumka Dancers and the Cheremosh Dance Company; he volunteered in service to the Ukrainian community in many roles throughout his life.
“It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Mr. Zwozdesky. He was a true leader and trail blazer for our community,” said Alexandra Chyczij, president of the UCC. “Mr. Zwozdesky’s accomplishments are a source of great pride for the Ukrainian Canadian community. The example he set through his commitment to public service and to Ukrainian Canadian causes lives on in the many lives he impacted so positively. Mr. Zwozdesky will be remembered forever for his sense of humor, generosity of spirit and enthusiasm.”
Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, president of the UCC Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC), stated: “UCC-APC and the Ukrainian community of Alberta will deeply miss Gene’s passion, courage, dedication and commitment to our community. His continuous love and support of our homeland and its arts, culture, and religion could be felt throughout his work in the various projects and committees that he served. He cared deeply about his family, his community and his province. Our entire community is deeply shaken by Gene’s passing. May his memory be eternal. Vichnaya pamiat.”
Mr. Zwozdesky is survived by his wife, Christine, two children and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at St. John Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton, Alberta, on January 16; burial followed at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, also in Edmonton.