Mykhailo Holovchak

Bright, noble, devoted to his family, profession, and homeland — this is how Mikhail Stepanovich Golovchak will forever remain in the hearts of his loved ones, colleagues, and comrades. A man of great honor, whose life became an example of unwavering professionalism and the highest sacrifice.

Mikhail was born on November 19, 1969, in the picturesque village of Syanki in the Turka district of Lviv region. He grew up in a large, friendly, and cozy family of railway workers, alongside his brother and three sisters. It was here, among his closest ones, that his core values were formed: honesty, diligence, and deep humanity.

Mikhail Stepanovich dedicated over 36 years to his life's work — the railway. His career was a model of gradual and confident growth:

1989: He began his journey as a cargo and baggage receiver at Lviv Railway.

1997: After graduating from the Dnipropetrovsk Institute of Railway Transport Engineers, he worked as a station duty officer, later becoming the head of his native station Syanki, and then an inspector at the Uzhhorod branch.

From 2002: He held responsible managerial positions in the Kyiv Directorate of the South-Western Railway.

From 2016: He became an important part of the team at the "Ukrainian Railway High-Speed Company" branch of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia," later working as a first-category engineer in the operations management of the "Passenger Company" branch.

For his colleagues, Mikhail Stepanovich was not just a top-level professional and wise advisor. He was a person who never shied away from difficulties, always striving for the best results and capable of uniting the team. He was respected for his principled stance, openness, and rare willingness to always lend a helping hand.

When a deadly threat loomed over Ukraine, Mikhail Stepanovich unhesitatingly left civilian life to defend his homeland. Since March 18, 2022, Sergeant Mikhail Golovchak bravely fulfilled his military duty in the ranks of the elite 81st Separate Airborne Brigade.

On June 9, 2022, in a fierce and difficult battle with Russian occupiers near the village of Bohorodychne in the Kramatorsk district of Donetsk region, Mikhail Stepanovich fought his last battle.

The path home was long and painful — for almost four years, the warrior was officially considered missing in action. Only in April 2026 did a complex DNA analysis restore the Hero's name, definitively confirming his death. Until his last breath, he remained faithful to his military oath, giving his life for the freedom and future of Ukraine.

"He was a reliable friend, a wise advisor, and a responsible comrade. His kindness, integrity, and ability to support in difficult times will forever remain in the memory of all who knew him."

Mikhail Stepanovich is survived by his grieving mother, brother, sisters, and beloved wife. We express our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, railway colleagues, and combat comrades of the fallen Defender.

May the memory of the Hero who kept the sky over us be bright and eternal!