Hnatyshyn, << na TIHSH ehn, >> Ramon John (1934-2002), was governor general of Canada from 1990 to 1995. As governor general, he served as the representative of the British monarch, who is also Canada’s head of state. Hnatyshyn succeeded Jeanne Mathilde Sauve in the largely ceremonial office. Hnatyshyn was the son of a Ukrainian immigrant father. Many people approved of his selection as governor general because it reflected Canada’s ethnic variety.
Hnatyshyn was born on March 16, 1934, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan and became a successful lawyer. Hnatyshyn was elected to Parliament in 1974. He held the seat both as an opposition member and as a member of the Cabinet, in which he served as minister of energy and, later, justice minister. He became popular with members of all parties because of his lively sense of humor and harmless practical jokes. Hnatyshyn was defeated in the 1988 parliamentary elections. He then resumed his law career. He died on Dec. 18, 2002.
