KLK USA

KLK Cordially Invites Members, Family & Friends to the 2025 KLK Ski Races & Winter Weekend In memory of Severin "Erko" Palydowycz.

Severin “Erko” Palydowycz [Mar17, 1938 – Jan 16, 2025]
President KLK [2000-2016]
He was known to us all as “Erko”, and he had a profound influence on all who knew him, especially those of us who loved sports and skiing and were Plastuny – for those were many were many of his closest friends. He was, after all, a proud and lifetime member of “Chornomortsi”.
His personality was such that you couldn’t resist wanting to be with him and share in his songs, jokes and hilarious antics. He had a kind of whirling dervish energy and joy that was infectious to all who were with him. We could never have enough.
Erko was our “chansonnier” who impulsively sang his favorite songs from pre-war Ukraine; the songs that his father composed and his mother performed at Lviv’s Opera House. The songs of Veselovsky. He recorded that repertoire and many modern beautiful songs of love, patriotism and the Lviv of his parents. And he got to fulfill his dream and perform at that same Lviv Opera House 70 years after his parents did.
But, that was the ‘good buddy’ side of him that we cherished. We also admired him for his many professional accomplishments – as an educator and principal of a Junior High School; as leader of the Clifton-Passaic Ukrainian community; as head of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America chapter in New Jersey during the critical period of the Helsinki Accords and the Ukrainian dissident movement. He was a natural born leader, and his patriotism and love for Ukraine was evident in nearly every cause he pursued – and there were many. The songs that he chose to sing reflected his love for Ukraine.
Erko could not live a full life with his guitar and his skis. He could not wait for the ski season to begin. His small ski chalet overlooked Hunter Mountain. That’s what gave him the greatest joy. And we benefitted by visiting him frequently, singing, skiing and happily sharing our lives with him.
Rejuvenating KLK was Erko’s final project and gift to us. As President, he reinvigorated the organization, expanded its membership and left it on a sound financial footing. Typically, at KLK’s annual ski races, there’d be 80-100 competitors, and over 200 at the awards banquet. His greatest joy came when he traveled to Lviv and met with KLK members there, and skied at Drahobrat and Bukovel.
In our lives, there was no one like Erko – a unique force of nature who cannot be duplicated. We’ll miss him, his songs, his laughter and anecdotes. Skiing with Erko was always an adventure – a challenge – for he could not ski with taking risks. He was an excellent, expert skier – but we were not. Still, we managed to survive – whether it was at Hunter Mountain, or Colorado or Utah.
Erko made us live our lives in a different manner. He lived by the dictum - that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Erko, may there always be fluffy powder beneath your skis. Your songs will always remind us of the precious moments we shared.

Today, we mourn the loss of Erko Palydowycz, our beloved former Ski Club President. He led our club with passion, vision, and a true love for the mountains. His dedication brought countless memorable experiences to our members and helped shape the KLK club into what it is today.
Erko will forever be remembered for his kindness, leadership, and enthusiasm for the slopes. Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, dear Erko, may your spirit always glide through the powdery snow.
🙏🙏🙏

Severin Mstyslav Palydowycz Obituary 2025 - Marrocco Memorial Chapel View Severin Mstyslav Palydowycz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

З глибоким смутком ділимося з усіма членами КЛК вісткою, що сьогодні на 86 році життя, відійшов у вічність довготривалий член Карпатського Лещатарського клубу, великий патріот України, шановний і вірний наш друг - Северин Палидович. Наші щирі співчуття родині!
Нище подаємо усі інформації про панахиду та похорон.
Вічна світла памʼять, дорогий Ерку🙏

Severin Mstyslav Palydowycz Obituary 2025 - Marrocco Memorial Chapel View Severin Mstyslav Palydowycz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

We are thrilled to invite you to a momentous occasion as we celebrate
100 incredible years of sporting excellence, community and camaraderie.
Join us for a day filled with
Live Entertainment 🎉
Special Honours and Awards 🥇
Throwback Memories 📝
Delicious Food🍽️

Black tie Event!

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley | Experience New Luxury Grand Hyatt Deer Valley

🚨Attention: Date Change🚨

The KLK Centennial Celebration will now take place Friday, December 6th at 7pm at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center in Whippany, New Jersey.

We hope to see you there!