Dr. Peter A. Kondra

July 12, 1911 – July 22, 2011

The Board of Directors, Administration, Professors, Staff and Students of St. Andrew's College, along with the entire Ukrainian community in Canada and abroad, grieve the loss of Dr. Peter A. Kondra.

Dr. Peter Kondra was born on the family homestead at Mazeppa SK on the Feast of St. Peter and Paul, July 12, 1911 where his Parents Oleksa and Evdokia (Dyda) and Grandparents Roman and Olena (Yurkiw) settled after their arrival from Ukraine in 1898. He completed his elementary school education at Mazeppa School and High School at Yorkton Collegiate then went on to study at the University of Manitoba graduating with BSA (Honours) in1934. He was employed as research assistant at the University and at Agriculture Canada in Brandon, MB then as Poultry Specialist Manitoba Department of Agriculture Extension Service 1936 -1940. One of his responsibilities was to increase the production of high quality eggs exported to England. Peter returned to his academic studies and obtained MSc in 1943. He was the first recipient of MSc in Animal Science at the University of Manitoba. From 1943 to 1945 Peter was employed as Manager of Bonnie Poultry Farm and Hatchery in Lac Du Bonnet and in 1945 was appointed Assistant Professor of Animal Science at the University of Manitoba.

After teaching for 4 years he continued to further his academic credentials at the University of Minnesota returning to University of Manitoba as Associate Professor. Peter received his PhD in Animal Genetics in 1953 from the University of Minnesota. In addition to teaching for 32 years and as consultant to the poultry industry, he also conducted research, publishing 23 Extension Bulletins and 33 scientific publications. Many were presented at National and International conferences. At the University of Manitoba he played a major role in the development and construction of the poultry research building, the first air conditioned facility on the campus. He was 50 year member of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists serving as President from 1963-64. Dr. Kondra is Life Member of the Canadian Society of Animal Science, Genetics Society Canada, American and World Poultry Science Associations.

Internationally Dr. Kondra, accompanied by wife Rose, travelled to Russia then Ukraine as guest of the Soviet and Ukrainian Academies of Sciences in 1964 where he participated in the production of a film at Shevchenko University in Kyiv. In 1966, he participated in the World Poultry Congress in Kyiv where he was responsible for the Agriculture Canada exhibit and appeared on radio and television. In 1968 – 69 he was Columbo Plan advisor participating in the development of a new University in Khon Kaen Thailand. While there he was asked to represent Canada at United Nations conference on assistance to Thailand. Dr. Kondra served as volunteer advisor sponsored by CESO and travelled with Rose to Brazil in 1974 and Costa Rica in 1978. In between these trips, in 1976, he was invited as guest of Academy of Sciences and travelled to Czechoslovakia.

Dr. Kondra was deeply committed to the advancement of his community and multicultural Canada. He represented the Ukrainian Self Reliance League (USRL) on the National executive of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) from 1971-1985 including being elected as President from 1971-74. On behalf of the UCC he presented briefs to the CRTC, CBC, Unity Task Force and played an important role in the establishment of multicultural broadcasting in Canada. He served as Co-chair of the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism from 1972-78. In 1973 Prime Minister Trudeau presented him with a scroll recognizing his contribution to the development in Canada of the policy of Multiculturalism. He was Honorary member of Ukrainian Professional and Business Association, USRL, UCC, Board and Order of St. Andrew's. Dr. Kondra was widely recognized for his community service including, Honorary Doctorate from St. Andrew's College 1985, Shevchenko Medal from UCC and Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Manitoba 1988.

Dr. Kondra served as Chairman of the Building Committee of the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity from 1958-62 supervising its design and construction. He served on the Presidium (Executive) of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada for 20 years, member of St. Andrew's College Board for over 50 years, including chairman of College Building Committee on University of Manitoba campus from 1962-64, founding member of the Order of St. Andrew in 1965 and National President from 1979-83, Principal of St. Andrew's College 1978-81, established the College endowment fund collecting its first million dollars, chaired the committee for the affiliation of St. Andrew's College with the University of Manitoba that resulted in the establishment of the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies, and chaired the committee that produced a facsimile copy of the Ostroh Bible that was first printed in Ukraine in 1581.

It is with great respect and gratitude that we honour the considerable accomplishments and contributions of Dr. Peter A. Kondra and celebrate his life of dedication and service.

Вічна Йому Пам'ять!