In memoriam: Bohdan Ivan (Boxy) Klymkiw

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Bohdan (Boxy) Klymkiw. Bohdan passed away peacefully on March 7 at St. Boniface Hospital. We extend our most sincere sympathy to the entire Klymkiw family.

"Klym" (as he was referred to in the industry) received his Certificate of Qualification as a plumber in 1953. He worked for Easton Plumbing. When he and his work buddy considered going on their own and started doing side jobs, Klym's boss found out and said, "If you are going to be a contractor, you better join the association and you might as well start today. You’re both fired!"

Klym founded B & D Plumbing and Heating, a successful mechanical contracting company that he ran with his wife, Josephine. At its onset in 1961, B & D was elected as a member of the Canadian Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association, or MCA Canada as it is now known.

Over the years, Bohdan was a board member at both MCA Manitoba and MCA Canada, serving as Manitoba’s President and as MCA Canada’s Chairman of the Board in 1981-1982. He was always so excited to go to the national conferences and would pack his kids in the car and drive to the conference destination. His motto was "Be proud of your association, show your pride and wear your pin." To this day, members still comment about wearing the lapel pin at events so as not to feel the feigned wrath of Klym.

Prayers were sung March 12 and the funeral service was held March 13 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, in Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization close to Boxy’s heart: the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, Oseredok, 184 Alexander Ave E, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0L6.