Died of natural causes at Lacombe Hospital at the age of 93. Born in Topreutz, Bukovina, Ukraine, John came to Canada at age 2 with his parents and brother and settled in Smoky Lake area, where the family began farming. In 1944, the now family of 8 moved to Langley, B.C., where they owned and operated a dairy farm. Throughout his life, John worked at a variety of jobs starting at age 12, where he spent a summer working at the Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton, then as a teenager on WW2 troop trains crisscrossing North America that culminated with a trip to New York City and a visit to the Empire State Building. In his later years, he worked for Seagram's Distillery and the B.C. Government Land Titles Office. In 2012 he moved from Vancouver to Lacombe where he enjoyed many years being closer to family and living at the Lacombe Lodge. He will be remembered for his letter writing, long walks, and love of reading and animals.
Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Dora; brothers Steve, Mike and Nick; brother-in-law, Murray; sister-in-law Ruth and his former wife, Margaret.
He is survived by his daughter Margo (Rod) Vandaelle, son David (Crissa) Romanchuk; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ian, Carolyn (Mark) and Pixie; his brother Tom (Carole) Romanchuk, sister Olga Byrnes, sister-in-law Bev Romanchuk and their families, along with good friends Chet Elliott, Lyne Armstrong and the Babichuk and Hall families.
The family thanks Dr. Stephan Nieuwoudt, Dr. Matt Unger, Dr. Wendy Howery and the staff of Lacombe Hospital and the Lodge for their excellent care of Dad. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. No service by request.
Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
Wilsons Funeral Chapel & Crematorium