Orest Alexander Ulan, MD

Orest Alexander Ulan MD
February 18, 1933 Mundare, AB – January 20, 2023 Edmonton, AB

Orest passed peacefully January 20, 2023 at the age of 89 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Esther (2022), son-in-law Paul Wallace (2021) and parents Andrew (1998) and Jessie Ulan (2002). Orest is survived by his sister Alexandra Yakimchuk, brothers John and Raymond (Darlene) Ulan,  children Wendi (Sarah), Ross (Barbara), Judith Wallace, Janice, and Allison, grandson Sean Wallace as well as nieces, nephews and their families.

Orest was a devoted husband, father and friend. He gave his family a wonderful home, family life, and sense of community and purpose. He was happiest seeing his children grow up to pursue their learning and varied adventures. He was tremendously supportive of his wife Esther. They enthusiastically shared many interests and activities throughout their 64 years together.

Orest coped with a number of medical conditions over the years. Despite these challenges, he provided Esther with unwavering love and assistance until her passing in February 2022. Sadly, his health and ability to enjoy life experienced a rapid decline over this past year.

Dad had a long and rewarding medical career. He graduated from U of A Medicine in 1957 and was in Family Practice for 5 years. He then attended U of T - Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital to train in Paediatrics and Neonatology. Upon graduation, he and his family returned to Edmonton. He played a key role in setting up and delivering Paediatric and Neonatology services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. He also maintained a medical practice; first at the Links Clinic, then Hys Centre (Paediatric Associates) and finally Northtown Medical Clinic.

As a physician he understood the power of listening and friendship. He loved children and the opportunity to help them and their families. Advances in medical knowledge and technology, multidisciplinary team collaboration and the improved patient outcomes achieved were deeply satisfying to him. At 82 years of age he retired as a doctor.

Orest grew up in Mundare and enjoyed its strong Ukrainian heritage and close family and community ties. At his core, he was a boy from the farm. He loved the prairie scenery, a warm summer day, drives in the country, berries and vegetables from his garden, river valley walks, and mountain holidays. He instilled a deep love of nature in his children.

His family is very proud of the person he was and the important role he played in our and other’s lives. People were always his first priority. In his last days he called family, friends and former associates to tell them how much they meant to him. We believe he made the world a better place through his gentle caring and actions.

In recent years, Orest received, and greatly appreciated, support from a number of health care providers. The family would like to thank Dr. S. Leyland, Dr. A, Russell, Dr. M. Osman, Kevin and Amy at Vic’s Drugs, AHS Community Care, the Misericordia Hospital, Capital Care – Grandview, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, and Nurse Next Door.

We would also like to acknowledge the cherished friendship and support of Dr. Edward Wiebe, a long-time friend of dad’s.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Covenant Care - Misericordia Hospital, Capital Care - Grandview or charity of your choosing.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Westlawn Funeral Home, 16310 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, T5P 3N4 (ph. 780-484-5500)