Bohdan Ciona

Boh passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023 at the Cypress Regional Hospital, after enjoying a delicious breakfast. French toast and dark coffee his last hurrah, an aortic aneurysm his gentle demise.

Born February 1, 1940 in Hafford, Saskatchewan to a Ukrainian Canadian family, Boh spent his childhood helping out on the farm and then in the small town of Blaine Lake where his parents Mike and Mary Ciona ran Blaine Lake Farm Equipment.

Boh was a natural educator. The second eldest of 5 kids, he was tasked with managing his younger siblings. At 18 years of age, he left home for the University of Saskatchewan to study engineering, only to switch to education one year later, and on to a teaching career. His first position was in Swift Current in 1961 at Oman School. There, he met and fell in love with another teacher, Diana Radtke. They married and it wasn't long until Boh and Diana had children giving Boh more opportunities to educate. From the simple, “how to not run with scissors”, to the complex “how igneous rock is formed”, Boh loved to teach his girls about the world. Leading by example, teaching the value of determination and generosity, Boh shared that you could do anything you set your mind to and that anyone and everyone was welcome.

Curious and kind, Boh was a community leader who valued cultural connections. Active in Kinsmen and K40s, with Tele-Miracle, multicultural associations and the Ukrainian club, Boh embraced opportunities to make new friends and share in their traditions. Whether you were new to Swift Current, a long distant relative, or a recent immigrant needing help; Boh and Diana’s home and hearts were always open.

Boh’s presence shaped the hearts and minds of not only friends and family, but generations of Swift Current’s children. A dedicated teacher for over 30 years, “Mr. C” gifted his students with his optimism, vibrant sense of humour and his caring nature.

In retirement, Boh and Diana stayed active, travelling to teach English in China and touring their clay oven around Saskatchewan bringing Boh’s Bread and Di’s Buns to festivals and markets. Boh offered lessons in Ukrainian Language and Easter Egg making, and shared Ukrainian culture with the community.

Boh enjoyed his last years at home with his wife Diana helping her bake bread and cinnamon buns, and offering his exacting knife skills as her sous chef.

Boh will be greatly missed and remembered with love, laughter, kindness and gratitude. Boh is survived by his wife Diana (Radtke), his daughters Joelle (Dina González Mascaró) and Christine, his siblings; Natalie (Jim Deptuck), Andrew (Patti), Stephen (Iris), Ted (Chris), his brothers in-law Art Radtke (Kitty) and Ted Radtke (Judi) and 14 nieces and nephews and their children.

Celebration of Life: Monday April 3, 2023 at 2:00 pm at First United Church (Swift Current) with Reverend Annette Taylor officiating. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens. The reception and luncheon will be at the Coast Inn Ballroom.

The family invites you to share the joy of living by donating to Tele-Miracle, The Stream of Hopes Aid for Ukraine, or to plant a tree.

The service card is available to view below.

Due to licensing, some of the audio in the video will be muted.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bohdan Ciona, please visit our floral store.