It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of CAAU’s founders, Lubomyr Osadca.

Mr. Osadca was 13 years old when he fled his home near Ternopil in early 1944 during wartime upheavals, and immigrated to America in 1951.  In 1957, he began a 35-year career as a design engineer with Lockheed Corporation, working on such projects as the secret Skunk Works and the P-3C spy plane.  In the 1960’s, Mr. Osadca joined with other visionary professionals to organize the Ukrainian Engineers Society that reintroduced the presentation of debutantes at an annual formal dress ball.  Around 1990, he joined with his fellow Ukrainian Engineer Society leaders to evolve the organization and its annual ball into the California Association to Aid Ukraine.  Mr. Osadca continued to give his time and energy holding various leadership positions in CAAU until his retirement in the mid-1990’s, and remained a strong supporter of CAAU’s mission and programs.  In 2007, CAAU presented its Founder Award to Lubomyr Osadca in recognition of his achievements for his community and his heritage.

Vichnaya Pam’yat!