about Orest Myckan

We are pleased to officially announce the beginning of the Orest Myckan Legacy Build presented by the REALTORS® Community Foundation. Orest Myckan was a prolific Habitat for Humanity volunteer who earned the respect and won the hearts of Habitat homeowners and volunteers across the world. Orest was a Crew Leader for Habitat Edmonton who took volunteers under his wing as they built homes locally. He also led teams to build homes in communities in Central America and in other places around the globe including Nepal, The Philippines, and Portugal. He learned Spanish in order to communicate more effectively with the families he was serving in Central America, and led more than 30 trips to developing countries for Habitat.

Sadly, Orest passed away in January 2022. He left a legacy of improving life for families through affordable home ownership. 

Orest was a man of unusual kindness, commitment, and vision. On a build he managed to ensure everyone felt safe (and was safe, as safety was one of his key values!).  He made everyone feel that their contribution was important and added meaning and value. Whenever someone worked on an Orest-led team, they came away with a love of the people of the country, and new best friends from those on the build team. He was remarkable and selfless. And full of quiet joy and determination. The world is a better place, and I am a better person, for knowing and building with Orest.”

Mary Cameron
Chair, Habitat for Humanity International
Former Chair, Habitat for Humanity Canada
Former Chair, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton

“Orest Myckan, to my mind, epitomizes the spirit of Habitat. He was wholly dedicated to working with volunteers from around the world to build homes and hope for thousands of families. He was a humble, gentle leader who was deeply respected by all. While I was participating on a Global Village Build with him in El Salvador, he was officially recognized for his long term dedication to improving the lives of its citizens. Orest’s memory will continue to live in the hearts of the hundreds families whose lives have been changed forever because of his dedication.”

Susan Green
Board Member, Habitat for Humanity Canada
Former Chair, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton

Local Leader

  • Former Interim Executive Director of Habitat Edmonton
  • Spearheaded national partnerships

International Leader

  • Led more trips to developing countries than any other individual across Canada

Professional Experience

  • University of Alberta Masters in Business Administration
  • Human Resources career working for Dow Chemical for 25+ years in Canada and the United States (retired 1997)
  • Habitat for Humanity Volunteer (1993-2022)

Award Winner

  • Named honourary citizen of Guadalupe, El Salvador for his contributions to the community
  • Prestigous Kenneth J. Meinert Leadership Award and National Volunteer Award through Habitat Canada
  • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
  • City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame (2019)

about Orest Myckan

We are pleased to officially announce the beginning of the Orest Myckan Legacy Build presented by the REALTORS® Community Foundation. Orest Myckan was a prolific Habitat for Humanity volunteer who earned the respect and won the hearts of Habitat homeowners and volunteers across the world. Orest was a Crew Leader for Habitat Edmonton who took volunteers under his wing as they built homes locally. He also led teams to build homes in communities in Central America and in other places around the globe including Nepal, The Philippines, and Portugal. He learned Spanish in order to communicate more effectively with the families he was serving in Central America, and led more than 30 trips to developing countries for Habitat.

Sadly, Orest passed away in January 2022. He left a legacy of improving life for families through affordable home ownership. 

Orest was a man of unusual kindness, commitment, and vision. On a build he managed to ensure everyone felt safe (and was safe, as safety was one of his key values!).  He made everyone feel that their contribution was important and added meaning and value. Whenever someone worked on an Orest-led team, they came away with a love of the people of the country, and new best friends from those on the build team. He was remarkable and selfless. And full of quiet joy and determination. The world is a better place, and I am a better person, for knowing and building with Orest.”

Mary Cameron
Chair, Habitat for Humanity International
Former Chair, Habitat for Humanity Canada
Former Chair, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton

“Orest Myckan, to my mind, epitomizes the spirit of Habitat. He was wholly dedicated to working with volunteers from around the world to build homes and hope for thousands of families. He was a humble, gentle leader who was deeply respected by all. While I was participating on a Global Village Build with him in El Salvador, he was officially recognized for his long term dedication to improving the lives of its citizens. Orest’s memory will continue to live in the hearts of the hundreds families whose lives have been changed forever because of his dedication.”

Susan Green
Board Member, Habitat for Humanity Canada
Former Chair, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton

Local Leader

  • Former Interim Executive Director of Habitat Edmonton
  • Spearheaded national partnerships

International Leader

  • Led more trips to developing countries than any other individual across Canada

Professional Experience

  • University of Alberta Masters in Business Administration
  • Human Resources career working for Dow Chemical for 25+ years in Canada and the United States (retired 1997)
  • Habitat for Humanity Volunteer (1993-2022)

Award Winner

  • Named honourary citizen of Guadalupe, El Salvador for his contributions to the community
  • Prestigous Kenneth J. Meinert Leadership Award and National Volunteer Award through Habitat Canada
  • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
  • City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame (2019)

about the build

A duplex will be constructed in the welcoming Edmonton’s Montrose neighbourhood. We anticipate construction will last for 18 months. 

The homes offer easy access to Yellowhead Highway, and are within walking distance of schools and playgrounds.

House Layout

Main floor: great room, nook, 1/2 bathroom, kitchen, and mud room.

Second floor: 3-bedrooms, bonus room, laundry, bathroom and ensuite.  

Detached garage: single car

about the build

A duplex will be constructed in the welcoming Edmonton’s Montrose neighbourhood. We anticipate construction will last for 18 months. 

The homes offer easy access to Yellowhead Highway, and are within walking distance of schools and playgrounds.

House Layout

Main floor: great room, nook, 1/2 bathroom, kitchen, and mud room.

Second floor: 3-bedrooms, bonus room, laundry, bathroom and ensuite.  

Detached garage: single car