Nick Diakiw

Nicholas W. “Nick” Diakiw (1931-2025), PEng, FEC

Born in Winnipeg as the elder son of Wasyl “William” Diakiw and and Pauline Sczepanski, “Nick” Diakiw grew up in a household shaped by the values and work ethic of Ukrainian immigrants.

Insert photo from 2003 dec kp

Education

From an early age, at St Johns High School Nick demonstrated a commitment to both academics and athletics. An all-round sportsman, excelling to the point where he was courted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a quarterback. With his parents' emphasis on education. Nick declined and attended the University of Manitoba. He graduated in 1953 with a BSc degree in Civil Engineering.

While attending university, Nick continued his passion for football, playing for the Winnipeg Rods Football Club in his spare time, a testament to his lifelong love of sports. During his undergraduate years, he began his professional journey as a survey rodman with the City of Winnipeg’s Engineering Department.

Early Career

His career with the City of Winnipeg was briefly interrupted from 1953 to 1955 when he was employed by the Province of Manitoba Water Resources Branch on projects on the Nelson River.

City of Winnipeg Career

Nick advanced through the city’s administrative ranks, ultimately becoming Commissioner of Works and Operations in 1974. Finally, becoming Chief Commissioner for the City of Winnipeg in 1978, leading the Board of Commissioners and overseeing all municipal departments and services for the next decade.

Forks Renewal Corporation Appointment

Retiring from the City of Winnipeg in 1988, Nick was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Forks Renewal Corporation, playing a pivotal role in redeveloping the riverfront site at the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

LaFarge Canada Career

After the successful completion of phase one of The Forks, in 1994 he was attracted to the private sector with LaFarge Canada Inc. as the Vice-President of Corporate Resources. He remained with LaFarge until his retirement in 1998.

Professional Activities

Nick’s professional contributions extended beyond his official working roles; he served as President of the American Public Works Association (1980), President of the International Public Works Federation (1990), and received numerous honours, including the Lieutenant Governor General’s Medal for Excellence in Public Administration (1992) and the Leadership Award from the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba (2003).

https://www.enggeomb.ca/pdf/Awards/Received/2003_LeadershipAward.pdf

Community Dedication

Deeply committed to his Ukrainian community, Nick served on many local boards, such as the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Winnipeg Enterprises Corp., Ukrainian Professional Business Club, Winnipeg Library Foundation, and several health and community organizations ( Holy Family Nursing Home, Manitoba Blue Cross, Winnipeg Hospital Authority, Winnipeg Community and Long Term Care Authority, and the Misericordia Hospital). His legacy is marked by leadership, dedication, and a profound commitment to public service and the betterment of Winnipeg.

Nick was predeceased by his wife Lesia in 2021 after 65 years of marriage, his parents Paulina and Wasyl, and his brother Donald in 2008. They had two sons and a daughter.

References

1. Obituary Winnipeg Free Press, 13 September 2025.
2. Manitoba Historical Society, Memorable Manitobans, Memorable Manitobans: Nicholas W. "Nick" Diakiw (1931-2025)
3. Keystone Professional December 2003, https://enggeomb-heritage.a2hosted.com/images/e/ea/03dec.pdf
4. Association Leadership Award https://www.enggeomb.ca/pdf/Awards/Received/2003_LeadershipAward.pdf

Compiled by

Richard Jones PEng, FEC Review – Glen N. Cook, PEng, FEC

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