Ukraine bids farewell to Myron Spolsky

Ukraine bid farewell to Myron Spolsky, who was also known by his Plast scout name of “Hryph”, an inspiring community leader, head of the scouting group worldwide, and longtime member of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) board. 

Memorial services were held at St. Michael’s golden-domed monastery in Kyiv, followed by a burial at Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv, honoring a man whose life bridged continents and generations of Ukrainians. 

In a statement, Plast remembered Spolsky as someone whose inner drive always led him where paths were yet untrodden. He had a crystal-clear character, cheerfulness, a sharp sense of humor, and that special Plast spirit that could support, joke, and never lose humanity.”

For Ukrainians at home and abroad, Spolsky was a leader who bridged Ukraine with its global diaspora with his dedication, energy, and vision to bolster the Ukrainian spirit worldwide. 

“The flame he carried does not fade, it now passes to us,” Plast wrote. 

UWC President Paul Grod shared a personal reflection on his friendship with Spolsky:

“I had the honor of knowing Myron for over 20 years. One of my fondest memories was during the 2004 UWC Election Observation Mission in Ukraine, when Myron — the owner of Vesuvio’s Pizza — would treat UWC volunteers to pizza every evening as they defended Ukraine’s democracy. This simple gesture said so much about his character — always generous, always supportive, always standing on the side of truth.”

Grod added that Myron Spolsky devoted his entire life to serving the Ukrainian cause.

“For that, we will be forever thankful. Eternal memory,” he said. 

Spolsky’s legacy is that of service, humor, and faith in Ukraine, and now lives in those whom he inspired.