My uncle, Ivan Lyko, died Dec. 1, 2004 at the age of 77. With 40 days since his death, I celebrate Uncle Ivan and his ever lasting peace as the photo of the day. He lived an interesting life, and was able to document his life's journey in a book he wrote in Ukrainian and published in Lviv. He served in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army during World War II, served seven years as a prisoner of war, and yet found time to be educated and have a full career in accounting.
Yet, Uncle Ivan had an even deeper passion for his love of Ukraine. After coming with his family to the US in 1968, he spent a great deal of his spare time involved in Ukrainian organizations, usually chairing them. This did not take away from the time he spent with his family-wife, three children and eight grandchildren, who miss him to end. He was a special person-- and my memory of him will always be his laugh!! Despite all he suffered through life, as a boy who grew up without a father, lived and served during World War II--- he loved family, he loved Ukraine and he loved life!