Paul Nazarenko

Paul Nazarenko of Saskatoon went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 23, 2023, at the age of 102. Paul was born in Kiev Ukraine into the Christian family of Elsa and Philemon Nazarenko. He was one of 6 children. When he was a couple months old the family moved to the village Pylyava, where he spent his childhood.

Paul grew up during the hard years of Holodomor (the starvation of Ukrainian people created by Soviet Government). In 1932 his family moved back to Kiev where Paul finished high school. There, he was called to the army a month into World War II. After finishing Artillery College Paul was sent to Leningrad. By the grace of God, Ladoga Lake, the only way of life to the city melted, and Paul was sent to the Volhov line instead of facing starvation in Lenningrad. He was wounded and spent 8 months in hospitals.

After the war, Paul returned to Kiev. His parents’ house was destroyed by the air bombing and his mother Elsa, his sister Nadia, brothers Volodya & Boris were killed. Later he discovered that his father Philemon, sister Vera, and brother Serge survived and moved to Canada.

In Kiev, Paul attended Zchelyanskya Church where he met and married his wife Sofia in May 1949. They were married for 65 years and had daughter Elena 1952, son Alexey 1954 (who died after birth), and son Serge 1956. In 1989 Paul & Sofia moved to Canada to his brother Serge (Justina).

In 1990 the whole family reunited in Saskatoon. But Paul didn't forget his friends in Ukraine; he stayed in close touch with the church, visiting Ukraine, sending funds, food and clothing parcels to those in need.

To the last moment of his life, Paul was a faithful servant of God. He is lovingly remembered by his brother Serge (Justina), his children; Elena Morgun, Serge (Natasha); grandchildren Alex (Nataliya), Paul (Jessica), Anna (Matt), Elena, Lisa and great grandchildren Sasha, Noah, Joshua, Jacob and Hannah.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at Fairmont Baptist Church, 333 Fairmont Drive, Saskatoon, SK. Interment to follow.

To view service online  https://www.youtube.com/@fairmontbaptistchurch/featured

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care and arrangements for Paul Nazarenko.