Searching for information on my grandfather - Edward Negrych

[annemarielyman]

I am trying to find information on my grandfather who served in WWII. This is difficult as I know only his last name, I do know what his first name may have been but have no way of being certain. I will try to explain. My grandmother met him, got pregnant and had my father on the property of what I'm guessing to be one of his relatives (same last name) she then abandoned my father with her parents at the age of 2 and was never heard from again. I am also at a loss for info. as my father passed away when I was 4.

I know that there is a database of WWI soldiers available on-line, but have not been able to locate anything for WWII.


I will list what i do know:

Last name: Negrych
First name: Edward (?)

My father was born near Veregrin, Saskatchewan in January 1941.
He possibly had a brother named Walter.

I have been searching for six years. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you.

 

[lostmuskrat]

There is a database of WW1 soldiers, but not for WW2 soldiers because the records from the WW2 period are still closed.  The older information has passed the "time elapsed" (I'm not sure exactly how long it is - I would guess 75 years) and is now considered to be public historical information and not private personal information (kinda like the census).  Unless you know your grandfather's name, and can prove you are next-of-kin, getting his service record will be difficult (if not impossible).
I would suggest starting with the Department of Vital Statistics in Saskatchewan (or whatever office deals with birth certificates).    A birth certificate should have the names of both parents.  You could also contact a genealogy society in Saskatchewan.
This website might have some information, or links to searchable databases:  http://www.rootsweb.com/~cansk/Saskatchewan/
The Provincial Archives is also a good place to start, as they might be able to provide you with any family tree information they have, or put you in touch with a local history society or researcher who could help:  http://www.saskarchives.com/web/services-pub.html
There are also a lot of local/family history books written on different places in Saskatchewan, and they often have very detailed profiles on families.  (I'm from PEI but my Dad's family comes from the Watrous area)
Good luck!

 

[rich-w]

Hello;

In all likelihood, your grandfather was my father, Joseph Edward Negrych. Yes, he was from Verigin, Sask; Yes, he did serve in WWII, and I have his service records, if you would like copies. I have to admit though, that I was unaware of the circumstances of your grandmother's relationship with my father.

Please contact me to discuss this further.

Richard

 

[true canadian]

What are the chances of that!