Obituary of The Honourable Justice Harry Momotiuk

The Honourable Justice HARRY MOMOTIUK

Harry Momotiuk passed away peacefully after falling asleep listening to a baseball game in the early hours of September 18, 2021. Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Irene Momotiuk (nee Martyniuk) just 8 short months ago. He is survived by their children, Karen Momotiuk Chapman (Bill Chapman), Greg Momotiuk (Angela Momotiuk) and David Momotiuk. He was a devoted Jaju to grandchildren Harrison Boyer, and Avery and Alivia Momotiuk. Survived by his sister Carolyn Ewasyshyn and Dr. Frank Ewasyshyn, his sister Dolores Chachula and Robert Chachula along with their sons Michael (Carolyn Demmitt) and Andrew (Dr. Sophia Chachula) and great-neice Mia, and his sister-in-law Dr. Mary Ewasyshyn.

At a Ukrainian Graduates Banquet in 1968 Harry met Irene when the father of a friend introduced them. They were married shortly afterwards. “Harry and Irene” were inseperable for the past 53 years. They adored their children and grandchildren. They travelled all over the world, within Canada and internationally - loving historical cities and sites particularly in Ottawa and Washington. Harry loved music, having “mastered” the violin at a young age. In his later years he enjoyed opera, classical music and the orchestra that accompanied his favourite maestro, Andre Rieu.

As a young man he was very close to his cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. In his later years, he loved picking up his grandchildren after school, taking them to the bookstore and attending all of their activities - too many to mention. He was a member of many breakfast and lunch clubs over the years, with deep friendships spanning decades. Our family gathered often and celebrated every occasion and holiday together.

Harry believed in three things. Hard work, family and faith.

Born on August 20, 1934 to Andrew Momotiuk and Annie Momotiuk (nee Turchyn). He grew up on Drouillard Rd. in Windsor Ontario. He attended Gordon McGregor Public School and Assumption College School in Windsor. Working days at Chrysler Canada, he attended night school at the University of Detroit.

He worked for Chrysler Canada beginning in the mail room and worked his way up to become a systems and procedures analyst. He wanted to become a lawyer after noting that when he reviewed Chrysler dealer contracts, they reminded him of music. He decided to attend Law school at the encouragement of a mentor.

He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa in 1964; and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1966. He served as an assistant Crown Attorney and then entered private practice until his appointment as a Provincial Court Judge in 1976.

He was appointed Senior Regional Justice (West region) in 1990 and served until 1995. He continued to sit as a Justice of the Ontario Court until his retirement on August 19, 2009.

Harry was a life-long learner and ultimately attained status as a Fellow of the Institute of Court Management in the United States (Williamsburg, Virginia).

He served his community as a teacher and volunteer. He was proud of his associations in education at both the University of Windsor where he taught Business Law (1968-1988); and at St. Clair College where he taught Company Law at (1970-2011). He served as a lecturer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police educational programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick,

He was proud of his Ukrainian heritage and was a faithful member of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, and served as its President (1978–1980). He was a member of the Ukrainian Business and Professional Association. He also served as an honourary director of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County.

Harry was a constant by Irene’s side, even through her decline with Alzheimer’s. He would often say “She took care of me for 40 years, it’s my turn to take care of her.” His love, kindness and devotion to her and his family can not be overstated.

The final words should be Harry’s. They are:

“I cherished faith, hard work, self-respect and being decent and respectful of others. My parents and grandparents were my battery. I strove to honour them in name and deed as best I could. For any failure (from which I learned a lesson) or misstep, their memory got me up and made me work whatever hours or study necessary to correct or continue my development. I could not let them down. You earn what you get. Do your work well, learn with others and then pass it on to your family”.

Harry’s memory will be cherished, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be at Windsor Chapel (Banwell Chapel) 11167 Tecumseh Rd. East on Tuesday, September 21 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm and again on Wednesday, September 22 from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm with Ukrainian Prayers at 7:00 and a eulogy from the family at 7:20. Funeral will take place at the Ukrainian Cathedral of St. Vladimir (2000 Tecumseh Rd. E) with the Very Rev. Archpriest Roman Kocur officiating at 11 am on Thursday September 23.

Reservations are required to attend the Prayers Wednesday night and/or the Funeral Service on Thursday. Please call Windsor Chapel at 519.253.7234 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm. Masks are required at visitation, Funeral Service and Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor. Cheques should be made payable to the University of Windsor or by using the memorial link in this online donation page. Please click here to donate on line.

To view the Ukrainian Prayers at 7:00 pm, please CLICK HERE. 

Watch Funeral Church Service-CLICK HERE