Vasyl KLEKACH

Vasyl Stepanovych Klekach was born in the picturesque village of Mushchanytsia in the Ostroh district of the Rivne region to Nadiia Mykolaivna and Stepan Andriivich. Together with his brother Serhii, he grew up in the city of Shepetivka, where in 1973 he first stepped through the doors of Shepetivka Secondary School No. 6. In 1984, he graduated from Shepetivka Technical School, mastering the profession of a lathe operator. He later continued his studies at Vinnytsia Polytechnic Institute.

After completing his mandatory military service in the Airborne Forces, where he served as a signalman, in 2000 Vasyl Stepanovych began working at the Shepetivka Locomotive Depot, initially as a mechanic and later becoming a foreman. His work experience on the railway spanned nearly 19 years (until full mobilization in 2019).

Vasyl Stepanovych was always a patriot. In 2015, he volunteered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation.

In 2017, after returning to civilian life, he continued working at the locomotive depot. On May 30, 2019, he decided to return to the army, signed a contract, and resumed service in his native 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

On February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale war, Vasyl Stepanovych met the enemy in battle. He defended the village of New York on the outskirts of occupied Horlivka. In the second half of 2022, he participated in fierce battles near Izium, where he sustained serious injuries, but after treatment, he returned to the front lines. In 2023, he was among those defending Bakhmut. He traversed the hottest spots of this war, sustained numerous injuries, but always returned to duty.

On February 14, 2025, Vasyl Klekach's life was tragically cut short due to severe shrapnel wounds.

For his courage, bravery, and resilience demonstrated in defense of the country, he was awarded numerous honors, including the honorary distinction "For the Defense of Mariupol." For his dedication to military service, he received the Order "For the Defense of the Homeland," along with medals and commendations.

He found learning easy, but he was most drawn to sports, particularly wrestling. His dedication to training and determination brought him victories, and he often claimed prize places in competitions. He was respected by his colleagues for his hard work, honesty, and wisdom. Vasyl Stepanovych was always a patriot of his country. During his service, he proved to be a responsible, reliable, and brave fighter. He diligently performed his duties, faced challenges without fear, and was always ready to support his comrades. He was respected for his decisiveness, endurance, and fighting spirit. In the most dangerous moments, he acted confidently, never lost his composure, and was always willing to take risks for his friends and the common cause. In his free time, Vasyl Stepanovych enjoyed nature, loved fishing, and also liked to gather mushrooms and berries. Another passion of his was reading, especially historical books.

In 2021, he became a grandfather to two grandsons—Nazarii and Maksym. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and grandchildren. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

The team at the Shepetivka Locomotive Depot bows their heads in deep mourning. May the memory of our defender shine brightly, now among the ranks of the Heavenly Host.