George passed away surrounded by his family on June 11, 2025, the result of a sudden illness. He was an exceedingly decent and humble man. As a devoted husband, friend, father and grandfather, he is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Rosaleen, and children Stephanie(Kevin Semeniuk) and Andrew(Sara Cannon). He adored his granddaughters Katya, Anna and Ella, and grandson Theo. His surviving brothers Raymond and Alan(Audrey Harsh) remain on and near the original Fedak family homestead. He is predeceased by brother Bohdan and sisters Olga and Sophie.
A son of immigrant pioneers, he was born in 1940 on a farm in Hudson Bay, SK. Academically, he earned his bachelor's degree in plant sciences in 1963, followed by a master's degree in 1965, from the University of Saskatchewan. He went on to complete a PhD in cytogenetics at the University of Manitoba where he met Rosaleen, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with Agriculture Canada in Ottawa.
Professionally, as a distinguished principal research scientist, Dr. Fedak made invaluable contributions to humanity breeding new varieties of barley and wheat propagated around the world. He specialized in molecular genetics and disease resistance genes often remarking that the research over this past decade was some of the most important. In 2018, he was awarded the Vernadskyi Gold Medal by Ukraine's Academy of Sciences for his outstanding achievements in the field of natural, technical and socio-human sciences and was thrilled to have a variety of oat, 'AAC Fedak’, named in his honor by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2023.
Resolutely guided by his Ukrainian heritage, patriotism, and Catholic faith, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and parishioner at Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine. Forever the farmer, he spent free time on his hobby farm tending to his gardens and fruit trees, and riding his vintage tractors. He also enjoyed the passing seasons at the family cottage near Perth, watching hockey and cheering for his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The family wishes to thank the medical care staff at Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital for their dutiful attention. Visitation is scheduled for Monday June 16th from 6pm to 9pm. A funeral service is scheduled on Tuesday June 17th at 10am at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine.
Digital Guestbook
Dr Jean-Pierre Dubuc
Dana Young
My deepest condolences to the entire Fedak family. George and Rosaleen have been neighbours sharing backyards with me, you know, the 1950s chat over the fence kind. But we had this 15 foot high hedge....so every year I'd climb the ladder just to say hello...and prune the hedge while I was up there. Neighbours as neighbours should be...the best. I did not know George was from Saskatchewan but I understand his humbleness now being born in Regina myself and my mom being from Bigger Sask. as well my dad was deputy minister of parks and rec during the Tommy Douglas era. Rest in peace George and I'll miss our chats...Dana
Mary Anne
Keeping your family in thought & prayer. May you find strength & comfort in the compassionate kindness of family, friends & even caring strangers. Vichnaya Pam'yat! Memory Eternal!
Halina Shannan
My deepest condolences to you and your family. George was an interesting and charming man. His many accomplishments speak of a life well lived. May he rest in peace.
The Schlosser family
We’re so sorry to hear of the passing of George. He was a true legend in our neighbourhood, and we always enjoyed hearing stories of him working on his farm.
Thinking of Rosaleen, Steph, Kev, Katya, Anna, and Ella during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort in the many cherished memories he leaves behind.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kath, Drew, Adam, and Jane
Weikai Yan
D. George Fedak was one of the greatest scientist and man I know in person. I enjoyed everything when I dealt with him, except shaking hands with him, because his hand was so strong and would crush mine. I miss him dearly.
Stephen Fox
I was a colleague of George in Winnipeg. I especially recall spending a week with George in China in 2010 meeting with cereal scientists at several institutions and enjoying a weekend tour driving tour through some countryside. I have huge respect for George. My condolences, Stephen
Rosaleen, Sinceres Condolenses for the loss of George. Our friendship dates. George came to my marriage and we went to yours. Man of a few words, an observer, he had a fantastic career. I feel blessed to have known him.