RAPID CITY- Thursday we lay to rest a remarkable man, loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. Dr. Roman Kurylas, 91, died Saturday, August 23, 2014. Dr. Roman Kurylas was born October 28, 1922 in the Ukraine to Vasyl and Olena (Korduba) Kurylas. His life was not one that was easy. He grew up in the Soviet Union, was a POW and a Nazi War Camp survivor. His spirt and will to survive enabled him to imigrate to the USA. He was able to accomplish what many dream to do- live the American dream. He married his beautiful wife, Wilma and fathered five children. He built an empire as a respected Veterinarian and a hotel complex entrepreneur. His perseverance and dedication to family inspired us all to achieve our goals and become the best we can be. Although he had left the Ukraine, he never forgot his roots or his family there. He continued to make their lives easier through generous donations to those who chose to stay. His spirit will live on forever and all those who loved him including his wife, Wilma, Rapid City; son, Dr. Stephan Kurylas, Annapolis, MD; three daughters: Dr. Carolyn Kurylas, Phoenix, AZ; Dr. Teresa Kurylas, Rapid City; Meeka (Ed) Nader, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; brother, Vasyl; two sisters, Vera and Luba, all of the Ukraine; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry Kurylas, 14 brothers and sisters, and his grandson, Stephan Kurylas. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, at Blessed Sacrament Church with a Christian Wake service following at 7:00 p.m. Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, at the church with Rev. Brian Lane and Rev. Roman Petryshak presiding. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to the "Children in Need" Fund c/o Stephan R. Kurylas and mailed to: BB&T 2405 Brandermill Blvd., Gambrills, MD 21054.