The land of Kalush, which has given Ukraine so many brave warriors, has lost another of its sons — a courageous defender, an athlete, and a Man in the truest sense of the word.
Ihor Matiichyn studied at Kalush Secondary School No. 3, and after the eighth grade entered Vocational School No. 7, graduating with honors and earning a qualification as an auto welder.
He found his calling in sports early on — freestyle wrestling became his passion. Agility and iron endurance brought the young athlete to the podiums of regional and national championships. A multiple prize-winner, Ihor never boasted of his victories — he simply stepped onto the mat and did what he knew best.
He worked as an electric welder and later became a private entrepreneur. In 1999, Ihor married, and a year later, his son Vadym was born. To his son, he was not only a father but an example of a true man — quiet, responsible, and strong in spirit.
When the enemy invaded Ukrainian soil, Ihor reported to the Kalush Recruitment Center. On April 6, 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He first served in the Chernihiv region, later fighting in the hell of Bakhmut as part of the 34th Battalion. For his professionalism and courage, he was awarded a commendation by his unit commander.
Since the summer of 2023, Ihor served as a rifleman-operator in the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, defending Avdiivka and other cities of Donetsk region. His comrades recall that Matiichyn was never afraid, never panicked, and never complained. Calm, fair, and reliable — he was the one you could always count on in the hardest moment.
On February 6, 2024, during a mortar attack near the village of Novokalynove in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk region, Ihor Matiichyn was killed by severe wounds.
On February 13, the people of Kalush bid their Hero a final farewell. On the Alley of Glory at the city cemetery — beneath the national flag, amid tears and flowers — found his eternal rest an athlete, a warrior, a father, and a son of Ukraine.
Posthumously, Ihor Matiichyn was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the Kalush City Territorial Community.