Origin Story

Over a century ago, Gregory and Magdalena Heshka made a courageous decision that would shape the future of their family for generations to come. Leaving behind their homeland across the sea, they embarked on a journey to a land filled with opportunity and freedom.

A Brave Departure

In the early 1900s, the Heshkas and their six children—Anna (1888-1973), Wasyl (Bill) (1891-1969), Dmetro (1893-1896), Wasylena (Lena) (1895-?), Maria (1897-1901?), and Domma (1898-1901?)—left Ukraine, knowing that their country's political landscape was changing and freedom was slipping away. It was not an easy choice to leave behind their kin and the home they had built in such a beautiful country, but they understood that their future depended on it. With hearts full of hope and the weight of uncertainty, the family set off toward the promising land of Canada.

A New Beginning in Canada

The family arrived in Montreal with little more than the clothes on their backs and 25 cents tucked into Gregory’s coat pocket. From there, they traveled many miles to what was then known as the North-West Territories (now Saskatchewan), where they would build a new life from the ground up. As they settled into their new home, the Heshka family grew with the addition of seven more children—Paraska (Polly) (1902-?), Domka (Doris) (1905-1987), John (1908-1963), George (1910-1987), Nick (1912-1982), Steve (1914-1975), and another son who sadly passed away in 1901.

Providing for such a large family required tremendous sacrifice. Gregory worked tirelessly on the railway during the summers, while Magdalena and the older children toiled on the land, plowing fields and harvesting crops. Yet, the challenges they faced were relentless.

Trials and Hardships

Life on the prairies was far from easy. The family endured bitter winters, unpredictable frosts, and swarms of mosquitoes. In 1904, a diphtheria epidemic swept through the region, claiming the lives of three of their children. Later, a devastating fire destroyed their home. Through it all, they remained resilient, relying on their determination and unwavering faith to push forward. Despite these hardships, the Heshka family persevered. They rebuilt, they worked harder, and they never lost sight of the dream that had brought them to this new land.

A Legacy That Lives On

By the time Gregory passed away in 1943, the Heshkas had not only survived but had built a thriving family. Magdalena lived to the remarkable age of 96, passing away in 1959. Today, the Heshka family has spread from coast to coast, a testament to the strength and perseverance of their ancestors. If Gregory and Magdalena could see the legacy they created, they would undoubtedly be proud. Their story is a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of our forefathers paved the way for the lives we enjoy today. We honour their memory by carrying forward their values of hard work, resilience, and determination.

To the Heshka family, past and present, your story is one of inspiration—a journey of courage, love, and unyielding strength.