Frank Petura's Trip to Ukraine & Poland 2005

Below is a brief description of the photos from our 2005 Trip to Ukraine & Poland:

- Our driver and translator on tour in the Ukraine – Volodymyr and Russlan.
- Farm land near ancestral homes.
- Site of my Dad’s original home which was replaced by house shown.
- Land that was farmed by my Dad’s family straight back from their house to trees beyond.
- The following graves and markers of deceased family members.
- Note marker indicating death in 1934 – this is my Dad’s sister.
- Picture of most of our family living in village of Peremiluv. The lady with vertical striped blouse in front row, is my cousin who traveled with us. She spoke Ukrainian.
- Picture of 7 of us with lake behind them came to see off on our last day at Ternopil where we stayed at Hotel.
- From this point on Pictures were taken in the Ottynia area where my mother was born 50 miles or so away. Mom and Dad did not know each other in Galacia but met in Canada by chance.
- Pictures of cemeteries in Ottynia area were so neglected as the trees and forest have encroached on it to prevent one from entering.
- My sister Mildred viewing the land near Ottynia, probably imaging how our family lived there and why they eventually immigrated to Canada.
- Eventually you will see the only Roman Catholic Church in the whole area. The Russians converted it to a granary during the war. You will see upon inspection of structure many bullet and shell damage. I imagine there was more as there was some indication of repairs. The plaque on the church in the following picture commemorates an important victory over the Austrians in an earlier war.
- Here are more Greek Orthodox churches which are predominant in all of Ukraine.
- Some pictures later you will see a stork nest on a pole. This is a common scene.
- Cows walking don one of their better roads.
- Myself (Frank), Lois (my wife), Mildred (my sister) and Stephie (my cousin on Pitura sides of family). Stephie only came along with us on the Village tours in the Ukraine.
- You will note pictures I took of President Vicktor Yushenko on a chance meeting in a flea market in Southern Ukraine in the Carpathian Mountains.

Frank Petura

'Sow the Seeds of Faith' - Pitura Family Window

Pitura Family Window - Avonlea United Church
'Sow the Seeds of Faith'

Dedicated May 29, 2005

1950-51 - Following the move of the Avonlea United Church to Domain, the Pitura Family became active as new members in attending worship service and supporting the Church Community.

As our families grew, we became more a part and enjoyed the privilege of church fellowship.

We have fond memories of our children through Baptism, Sunday School, Confirmation and yes, Marriage to leave the nest and start their own.

Our daughters, Carolynne, Cheryl and Corie played the organ for a number of years, following Mrs. Haverstick and enjoyed many hours singing in the choir.

Today, we take time out. to pay tribute to the Church Community as recognition of past years.

The dedication of our family window is in some small way to appreciate the fruitful years of Fellowship. Our theme, 'Sow the Seed of Faith' is encompassing and challenging in today's world. Most are not farmers of the field, but the analogy is there, Plant a Seed of Faith today in your home, your place of work or your community about Faith in God to someone!

May those who enter this Sanctuary enjoy this art work in it's design and feel an inspiration in it's message. Only then will the 'Window' fulfill it's purpose and it's challenge to bring forth the message.

Our grateful thanks to our granddaughter, Katie Manness Klassen for exploring the theme and message from Ecclesiastes 11:6. It is also proper to recognize the artistic work of Mr. Ken Potter, Sperling, Man., in physically molding the window. The history composition is window glass from Sperling United Church, Brunkild St. Paul Church and a Jewel from Ireland.

In closing - our Family feels humble for the opportunity to express our thoughts along the Road of Life. May God Bless!

Carl F. Pitura

2004 Reunion Slideshow

2001 Family Gathering Cobble Hill British Columbia

Agenda for the Gathering:

Thursday, July 19th
Registration - 7:00-9:00 @ St. John's Anglican Church Hall
Pick up your Registration / Information package and make inquiries.

Friday, July 20th
Registration - 9:00-noon @ St. John's Anglican Church Hall

Morning and Afternoon - free time for visiting and getting to know the area. Group tours to local wineries or a round of golf can be arranged. This would be an excellent time to check out Chemainus, famous for its large outdoor murals and the many gift and antique stores there and surrounding communities. Take in Whippletree Junction for more souvenirs and interesting crafts.

5:30-6:00 - Reception to meet and greet before dinner.
6:00 pm - Catered dinner at St. John's Anglican church Hall. Come prepared for some fun and games. Bring a unique gift (one per family) of $10 or less as a prize for the evenings "shenanigans". Musicians, bring your instruments and voices for a sing song.

Saturday, July 21st
Morning and Afternoon - Free Time - An excellent time to take in the many interesting sights of beautiful Victoria - tour the world famous Butchart Gardens or spend a few hours on the ocean looking for whales.

6:00 pm - Barbecue at Ken and Barb's house. Bring your best smiles for family photos and your family write up - these will be compiled into a Pitura Gathering Memories 2001 souvenir booklet.

Sunday, July 22nd
10:00 - Join us for a church service at which members of the family will participate. Bring your best singing voice!

History of the Pitura Family Gatherings

An invitation to discover our roots was held July 23-25, 1995 at Domain and Winnipeg Manitoba. Some 80 family members attended whether they spelled their name 'Pitura' or 'Petura'. Photos of pioneers and tracing roots of families that came to this county as early as 1857 and earl 1900s was very challenging.

The first day was a farm tour and/or city of Winnipeg. Dinner was at Domain Hall (ethnic food) and fireworks at the farm. The second day was afternoon at the Forks with a dinner cruise on the River Rouge - the lighted part of the cruise evening was most enjoyable! The third and last day - Sunday saw a church service at Avonlea - a first happening "Pitura Choir" was initiated with Carolynne at the organ and Ev the choir leader. Brunch was at the farm, provided and served by the men fold of the family.

Ocotoks, Alberta
1998 - Pitura Family Gathering in Okotoks, Alberta, organized by Ed and Elizabeth Pitura and family. A god number attended for a very enjoyable couple of days. The infamous Pitura choir sand at the Church service and was given and open invitation to come back again.

Cobble Hill, B.C.
2001 - Barbara and Ken Norton in Cobble Hill, B.C. hosted the gatherings. This was one way to visit your next of kin and also tour the country.

As survey of the group at our first family gathering showed a desire to continue every three years with locations to be rotated across the country. As we looked into the future we must agree it is indeed a privilege to attend and participate these Family Gatherings.

Nine years ago, brother Walter and myself felt the idea was good, and trust there will be the enthusiasm for them to continue.

We gave it our best in 1995, with active family support in organizing through a decision making committee and the weather cooperated!

Carl F. Pitura

1995 Reunion Slideshow