Kerry John Ladyshewsky

Kerry was born to parents John and Evelyn Ladyshewsky in Winnipeg Manitoba and lived in Toronto, Ontario for most of his adult life. He is survived by his sister Angela, and brothers Ricky and Bohdan and his eldest son Dominic and granddaughter Savannah, middle son Dustin and grandchildren Lucy and Jack and his youngest son Scott.

Kerry was bestowed the gift of musical intelligence from a young age and lived, breathed and dreamed of creating music.  This gift was not always easily exercised being born to deaf parents who could not appreciate their son’s gift.  Nonetheless Kerry self-taught to play the guitar, read music and progressed to other instruments over his life. He is most well known for his success as a bass guitarist in the Winnipeg band called Zdenka and a band called Gus that came close to hitting the big time. Kerry found peace and joy in playing his guitar, writing music and songs, and often frequented open microphone and jamming sessions on the Toronto music scene. Kerry loved music so much that he often got lost in the spirit of his art at the expense of everything else – the life of a true artist and introvert.

Kerry loved his family and friends and expressed this through his music. He spent his last Christmas with his sister Angela in Winnipeg and had an opportunity to visit his old friends from high school and associates from the music industry whilst there. During his remaining year battling prostate cancer he was lovingly supported by his ex-partner Diana Ladyshewsky in Toronto and by his brother Ricky in Victoria and sister Angela in Winnipeg by phone. During these times together he spoke proudly of the successes and achievements of his children and siblings. His love of music was shared with his son Scott who plays guitar and sings.

Like Kerry’s Father John, Kerry also had gifts in wood work. When not playing music and hand crafting guitars, he earned his living through cabinet making. He worked for several cabinet making companies in Toronto outfitting homes, restaurants and hotels across North America.  Like music, Kerry also found joy in using his hands to create things of beauty.

The family would like to thank the extraordinary care and support he received from the staff at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre and his Local Health Integrative Network.  A memorial service for Kerry and the spreading of his ashes will be announced. For those wishing to make a donation in Kerry’s memory they can do so in his name at the Canadian Cancer Society Prostate Foundation .

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