The Vladislav (Vlad) Gryshchenko Legacy Fund was established in 2025 to honor the memory and vibrant 16 years of his life (2008-2025).

Vlad was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him, a young man full of promise, passion, and heart, taken far too soon. Vlad was exceptionally bright, academically gifted with a natural curiosity and a mind like a living encyclopedia. He loved learning and could recall the most fascinating facts about science, history, or the world at large, always ready to surprise you with something new or insightful. Whether it was an obscure historical detail or a clever scientific explanation, he shared knowledge not to impress, but to connect, to spark wonder, and to make people smile. He had solid plans for his post-secondary education – planning to apply to an Engineering program.

Vlad was a young man of extraordinary talents and boundless energy. He was a competitive ballroom dancer, a pianist and cellist, a singer, an OFSAA-level swimmer, swimming instructor, camp counsellor, and an athlete in volleyball, tennis, rugby, and boxing. He spoke three languages and had a deep appreciation for music, movement, and learning. He was also part of the FIRST robotics league, showing his ingenuity and problem-solving spirit.

His parents instilled his love for travel and exploration, having visited many countries throughout his young life, including Ukraine, France, Iceland, Portugal, Italy, Barbados, and Spain. Vlad went camping with his family from a young age and as such, mastered the art of roasting a perfect marshmallow. He was endlessly curious about the world and its wonders, recently captivated by the Salt Flats in Utah and the beauty of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon. He had even begun planning a return to the Grand Canyon, determined to complete its full, challenging hike of the South Rim down to the river and back. For Vlad, every journey was an adventure and an opportunity to see life from a new perspective.

While his time with us was far too short, his impact will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him. His light, his laughter, his music, and his memory will forever echo in our hearts.

If you would like to learn more about the Vladislav (Vlad) Gryshchenko Legacy Fund, please contact WRCF at 519-725-1806 or info@wrcf.ca.