107th birthday: Ontario man shares secret to longevity

Ivan Winniczuk, a Mississauga resident and one of Canada’s oldest living men, celebrated his 107th birthday on Tuesday. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Winniczuk marked the milestone in Mississauga, where his son-in-law, Tom Terentiew, described the occasion as “a monumental thing.”

A History of Resilience

Born in Ukraine in 1919, Winniczuk’s early life was defined by survival. His family was uprooted during the Holodomor, a Soviet-induced famine in the 1930s that resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians.

Following the famine, Russian forces deported his family to Siberia. During this period, Winniczuk lost contact with his infant brother, who was left with strangers to increase his chances of survival.

In 1941, Winniczuk was drafted by the Russians to fight against Germany in the Second World War. He eventually escaped by pretending to be a chauffeur in a vehicle being shipped to Germany, where he encountered American forces as the war concluded.

Life in Canada

Winniczuk immigrated to London, Ontario, in 1951. He and his wife, Olga, settled in the city, where they built a home and raised a daughter.

Secrets to Longevity

Family members attribute Winniczuk’s longevity to a combination of good luck and disciplined habits. His great-granddaughter, Natalya Viznyak, stated that he emphasizes the importance of staying active, noting that he enjoys making origami with her and her brother.

Terentiew added that Winniczuk’s lifestyle included no smoking, no drinking, and no stress. He described Winniczuk as a consistently positive character who always believed he could overcome adversity.