Released on February 3, 2006
Premier Lorne Calvert expressed condolences on behalf of the provincial government on the passing of Dr. Stephen Worobetz, former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, who died on February 2nd in Saskatoon at the age of 91.Stephen Worobetz was the province's 13th lieutenant governor and the first of Ukrainian origin. He served in that capacity from 1970 to 1976.
"Dr. Worobetz represented the Queen with quiet dignity, strengthening the office of lieutenant governor and renewing public respect for the institution of the provincial Crown," Calvert said. "His personal modesty and gentle, caring nature endeared him to the people of Saskatchewan."
Stephen Worobetz placed high importance on education and service to the community. He was one the first physicians to communicate with Ukrainian patients in their own language. During his service as a medical officer with the Canadian Army in the Second World War he was decorated with the Military Cross for his courage under fire in the Italian campaign.
Stephen Worobetz contributed generously to the community, particularly in the areas of health care, education and Ukrainian heritage, creating a charitable foundation with his late wife Micheline. He led an active life until recently and received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal last year. He was recognized by his country as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993 and by his province as a Member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1999.
"Dr. Worobetz represented the best traditions of Saskatchewan society and will be remembered as a distinguished lieutenant governor of our province, Calvert said.
Flags on all provincial government buildings will be at half-mast until the evening of the day of the funeral, Monday, February 6th.
A book of condolence for the former Lieutenant Governor will be available to the public at the Sir Richard Lake Hall, Government House, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and at a reception at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Saskatoon after the funeral on Monday.
The family has declined the offer of a state funeral, but accepted with appreciation the offer of official representation at the family funeral.
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