Book of Memories for Halyna Freeland

Photo shared: Obit_Freeland_Halyna.jpg

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Condolence From Joyce Tutt (nee Wagner)

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Halyna was my "boss" for the year she was Northern Director of the Legal Aid Society. She continually bragged about her two daughters, and was so proud of them and their accomplishments, particularly in dancing and academics. I regret I will be unable to attend either celebration of Halyna's life, as I will be in Saskatchewan at the time. Please know that she is in my prayers.

Condolence From Zonia Keywan

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST

Halia was my childhood friend and I have many happy memories of the time we spent together at each others' houses and at summer camps. Halia was bright and funny and fearless. Her loss is sadly felt by everyone who knew her. On behalf of myself and my brother Orest I would like to send the most sincere condolences to her daughters, sisters, brother and other family members.

Condolence From Zenon E. Kohut, Director Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST

The death of Halyna Chomiak Freeland has affected us deeply at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies. To some extent, Halyna's life had been intertwined with that of the Institute. She had been an intellectual presence since its founding in 1976. Halyna was part of a small group of enthusiasts and activists in academia, the professions, and politics that coalesced around the Institute. My own association with Halyna came much later in the 1990's when the Institute became involved in legal and parliamentary reform projects in Ukraine. Halyna was able to assist us through the Ukrainian Legal Foundation. We at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies will greatly miss her intellect, energy, and perseverance Our heartfelt condolences to Halyna's daughters, sisters, brother, and all other family members. As you mourn your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vichna Jiji Pam'iat'

Condolence From Sarah Evans

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST

Dearest Natalka- I wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear about your mother's passing. I am thinking of you and send you my love- Sarah

Condolence From Ron Holland

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST

To the family of Halyna Chomiak Freeland: "Remarkable" is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Halyna, but it is inadequate to properly describe the woman and her accomplishments. I remember Halyna as a fellow student in Dr. Richard Baird's political science class at the University of Alberta in the fall of 1964. She was small in stature but big in intellect, much to the delight of Dr. Baird, who enjoyed debating with a student of such obvious brilliance. In later years, I marveled again as the news reported her move to Ukraine and documented her contributions to the country of her heritage. One also marvels at how someone who lived a relatively short life was able to accomplish so much. Sincere sympathies, Ron Holland

Condolence From Chief Justice Allan Wachowich

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST

I was outside the country and upon my return in the latter part of July I heard the new of your mother�s passing. Had I been in Edmonton I would have attended the funeral service on July 14 but at that time I would have hopefully had an opportunity to express my personal condolences to you and other members your family. I did not wish this occasion to pass without me sending a short letter of condolences to both of you on the loss of your mother who was truly an outstanding citizen in so many ways. I can well remember her when I was a young judge and she was still in Peace River. It was obvious to me at that time she had all the promise of being a reputable contributor to the legal profession. She was too young at that time to recognize that she would give so much in so many different areas to a diverse population in her efforts to make our world a better place in which to live. Shortly after your mother went to the Ukraine I contacted her to ask her to address attendees at the prestigious Cambridge Conference in Cambridge, England. It was run by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies and she was able to attend and was so well received by 300 delegates. It was obvious that she accepted the challenge of doing her best to ensure that democratic institutions were first and foremost in the establishment of a new democracy in the Ukraine which she gave so much to that cause. There were of course so many other areas in which she left her mark, all of them being positive and all of them with the sense of dedication of helping others first before herself. Your mother left this world having gained a reputation of complete integrity and devotion to others who were less fortunate than herself and she gave so much to ensure that her parent�s homeland would have all of the benefits of a true democracy. She certainly did not fail in her work. I will remember your mother for many different reasons. She left this world with the profound respect of all who knew her and we all have a sense of gratitude for what she did as a true humanitarian who never forgot her roots and the fact that her spirituality was enriched by a higher being. When a loved one leaves, those closest to that person suffer the most. It is for that reason that I write as hopefully short notes such as this from individuals you may have never met in some way ease the trauma of the pain which goes with the loss of a loved one. May your mother rest in peace, a peace she so much deserves. Yours sincerely, Allan H. Wachowich Chief Justice Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta