Daniel Pakulak
| Daniel Roy Pakulak | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1945-06-24 Port Arthur, Ontario |
| Died | 2004-07-03 Thunder Bay, Ontario |
| Occupation | University administrator |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Siblings | |
Daniel Roy Pakulak (24 June 1945 – 3 July 2004 (aged 59)) was a Lakehead University administrator, historian and karate instructor from Port Arthur, Ontario. He served at Lakehead University for over 25 years, latterly as Director of International Activities, and was a founding member of the Lakehead Symphony Orchestra.[1]
Early life
Pakulak was born in Port Arthur on 24 June 1945 and grew up there, attending local schools. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Lakehead University and a Master's degree from Queen's University in Kingston. His interest in history was first sparked by pre- and post-Second World War studies in public school, and he was particularly drawn to the impact of church and religion on historical events, collecting newspaper and magazine clippings into several scrapbooks.[1]
The family surname, of Ukrainian or Polish origin, also appears in the spelling Pakylak, used by younger members of the family.
Lakehead University
Pakulak was employed at Lakehead University for over 25 years, beginning in the Continuing Education Department and rising to Director of International Activities. He was instrumental in establishing exchange programs between Lakehead University and Gifu University in Japan and Tyumen State University in the Russian Federation. He was well regarded by international students, many of whom remained in contact with him, and he received an honorary doctorate from Tyumen State University.[1]
Karate and East Asian culture
Pakulak held a black belt in karate and began operating a karate school while still in high school. As an instructor he was a source of inspiration to his students, many of whom became lifelong friends. Through karate he developed a lasting interest in Japanese and other East Asian cultures; he travelled frequently to Japan and spent an administrative leave teaching at Gifu University, which he came to regard as a second home. He also travelled to the Soviet Union, Korea, China and Hong Kong, collecting memorabilia from his travels.[1]
Music
Pakulak was a founding member of the Lakehead Symphony Orchestra and played in its violin section for many years. He had a lifelong passion for classical music.[1]
Personal life
Pakulak was fluent in Russian, which he could read, speak and write — an asset in his travels. He was an avid reader who enjoyed studying other cultures, fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and discussing films with friends. He looked forward to spending time with his nephews Aaron, Stefan and Jesse Pakylak, teaching them to fly fish.[1]
Death
Pakulak died unexpectedly at his residence in Thunder Bay on 3 July 2004. Funeral services, officiated by Rev. Lloyd Ivany, were held at the Harbourview Funeral Centre on 8 July 2004. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Ella Pakulak, and by his brother Joseph in infancy, and was survived by his brothers Richard Pakulak and Ray Pakulak.[1]
Family tree
A descendant tree of Peter Pakulak and Ella Pakulak, generated automatically from the relationships recorded across these articles. Click any name to open the linked article.