October 2, 2012 - Ottawa, Canada -It is with great sadness that the Ukrainian Canadian Congress learned of the passing of the Honourable Sylvia Fedoruk on September 26, 2012 at the age of 85. She was a scientist, sportswoman and the 17th Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
During her life, Sylvia served as the Chief Medical Physicist at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic and Director of Physics Services at the Saskatchewan Cancer Clinic. She was a Professor of Oncology and Associate Member in Physics at the University of Saskatchewan. Sylvia was very involved in the development of the world's first Cobalt-60 unit and one of the first nuclear medicine scanning machines. She was the first woman member of the Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada and the first female chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan.
In 1986, she was recognized as a builder of the sport and inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame.
For her outstanding achievements, the Hon. Sylvia Fedoruk received many honours and awards including, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1986, the Order of Canada in 1987, UCC Saskatchewan Provincial Council Nation Builder in 1999, and the Shevchenko Medal in 1995, the highest honour which the Ukrainian Canadian Congress can bestow.
"On behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian Community, I would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of the Honourable Sylvia Fedoruk," stated Ukrainian Canadian Congress National President Paul Grod. "Sylvia Fedoruk was a true Ukrainian Canadian trailblazer who loved Canada, her family and friends, and was always proud of her Ukrainian heritage. The Ukrainian Canadian community has suffered a great loss with her passing and she will be dearly missed by all."
His Excellency, the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston issued the following statement on her passing:
"My wife, Sharon, and I are saddened by the loss of the Honourable Sylvia Fedoruk, former lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan.
In so many ways, Sylvia Fedoruk was a pioneer who contributed greatly to the well-being of the people of Saskatchewan and of all Canadians."
