A Mississauga resident, who ranks among the oldest individuals in Ontario, celebrated his 107th birthday today. Corey Baird had a chance to chat with him about this significant milestone.
Living to be 100 requires not only good habits but also a bit of luck. This is the essence of Ivan Winniczuk’s story, as told by his friends and family.
Surrounded by family and friends, Winniczuk celebrated his 107th birthday in Mississauga on Tuesday afternoon. This achievement places him among Canada’s oldest living men.
Ivan Winniczuk Ivan Winniczuk celebrates his 107th birthday in Mississauga on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. ( )
“It’s a monumental thing. We’re so proud of dad,” said Tom Terentiew, Winniczuk’s son-in-law, to Toronto.
Winniczuk moved to London, Ont., in 1951. His remarkable life story makes his longevity even more impressive.
Born in Ukraine in 1919, he and his family were affected by the Holodomor, a devastating famine caused by the Soviet Union during the 1930s that resulted in millions of Ukrainian deaths.
The Russians sent his family to Siberia, leading Ivan to lose touch with his baby brother who was left behind with strangers due to fears for his safety during the journey. In 1941, he was drafted by the Russians to fight against Germany during World War II.
Ivan Winniczuk A young Ivan Winniczuk is seen in this photo shared by his family.
Once again, Winniczuk faced life-threatening situations.
“Dad jumps into a vehicle on the army base,” Terentiew recalls. “He pretends to be the chauffeur as they’re putting that jeep onto a boat that’s being shipped to Germany where the Americans were. And of course, the war ends there.”
Ivan Winniczuk and his son-in-law Ivan Winniczuk (right) and his son-in-law Tom Terentiew speak to Toronto on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. ( )
This marked a new chapter and country for Winniczuk.
After marrying Olga, they settled in London, Ont., where they built their home and raised their daughter-neither of whom lived long enough to see him reach this remarkable age.
What’s the secret behind his long life?
“He always reiterates how important it is to keep moving around and to stay active,” shared Natalya Viznyak, Winniczuk’s great-granddaughter.
“He likes making origami with me and my brother.”
“No drinking, no smoking, no stress,” Tierentiew translated while sitting next to his father-in-law before the birthday party began.
“He always knew he could overcome things. He was always a positive person-a positive character.”
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Ivan Winniczuk A young Ivan Winniczuk is seen in this photo shared by his family.
Once again, Winniczuk faced life-threatening situations.
“Dad jumps into a vehicle on the army base,” Terentiew recalls. “He pretends to be the chauffeur as they’re putting that jeep onto a boat that’s being shipped to Germany where the Americans were. And of course, the war ends there.”
Ivan Winniczuk and his son-in-law Ivan Winniczuk (right) and his son-in-law Tom Terentiew speak to Toronto on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. ( )
This marked a new chapter and country for Winniczuk.
After marrying Olga, they settled in London, Ont., where they built their home and raised their daughter-neither of whom lived long enough to see him reach this remarkable age.
What’s the secret behind his long life?
“He always reiterates how important it is to keep moving around and to stay active,” shared Natalya Viznyak, Winniczuk’s great-granddaughter.
“He likes making origami with me and my brother.”
“No drinking, no smoking, no stress,” Tierentiew translated while sitting next to his father-in-law before the birthday party began.
“He always knew he could overcome things. He was always a positive person-a positive character.”
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