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JOHN STEVE FERENCZ
Born: Aug 23, 1942
Date of Passing: Feb 07, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN STEVE FERENCZ
We lost our beloved Father, Husband, and Grandfather, John Steve Ferencz on Saturday, February 7, 2026. His tremendous love and caring for his family and friends will never be forgotten. He always reminded family of the love he had for them and would emphasize that it is very important to say it often.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Denise, his three sons, Johnny, James and Jason (Agnes) and his grandchildren, Abigail and Carter.
John was born in Hungary on August 23, 1942, and spent his youth years in Budapest. In 1956 he escaped from Hungary during the revolution and spent a year with his father and mother in Yugoslavia before immigrating to Canada. John spent his first year in Canada at Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg fighting rheumatic fever before attending Nelson Mcintyre High School where he met many of his closest lifelong friends. In 1967, John met the love of his life, Denise, at a local hair show. Impressed by his charms, they left together that night and ended up marrying in 1971, settling down in Westwood to raise their family.
John had a part time job sweeping floors at JD Products which was a contract embroidery company. He worked his way up ladder eventually taking over running the entire business before he decided to go out on his own. In 1977, John started All Canadian Emblem Corp which became a reputable Winnipeg institution serving clients such as: the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Mondetta, the NHL and many more. His legacy is still alive and well as All Canadian Emblem continues to operate under his sons James and Jason.
John really enjoyed many simple things in life such as walking his dog Tyson to the park or by bringing his family to his favourite club, The Hungarian House on Salter. The Hungarian House was a place where John was able to socialize with many great friends and acquaintances. John volunteered with many different organizations and was a member of the Knights of Columbus for a time. He also helped to raise money for many different charities such as the MS Society, and the Heart & Stroke foundation to mention a few.
John was dearly loved and he will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MS Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2026
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Denise, John, James and Jason: We offer our sincerest condolences. Our Father Tom was one of All Canadian Emblem’s (ACE) first customers in B.C. Tom and John had quite the mutual admiration society going between them, probably more about family than business. As the relationship grew, John offered our Agency the opportunity to represent ACE in B.C. and then Alberta. From this grew an even stronger friendship and bond. John helped us into the licensed product business and supported our growth. This relationship remained as the boys took over and John slowed down a bit. John’s humor, humbleness, and business acumen created a level of respect rarely seen in business and life. He was a mentor, a leader, and above all, a dear friend. His friendly demeanor and kindness will always be remembered. John will be missed. Rest in peace John. - Posted by: Don, Linda, Steve & Lynn Grant (Friends & Business associates) on: Feb 24, 2026
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With the deepest condolences to Denise and the boys. John was a formative figure in my early years selling for him and buying from him and then selling for him and his boys again for over 4 decades. The creative genius and leading-edge decoration John pioneered not only shaped my passion but still drives my passion for cresting techniques to this day. There are so many great memories working with and socializing with John and his family over the decades. This was a man few people will forget if they ever had the chance to really know him. One of the nicest soles to a fault I’ve ever had the pleasure to call a mentor and friend. John you will be missed but you were surrounded by love. - Posted by: Mike Grant (Employee/Customer/Friend) on: Feb 23, 2026
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It’s been 35 years since I saw John and the memory hasn’t dimmed of an absolutely delightful man. RIP - Posted by: Hart Mallin (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2026
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John & I worked on the Nelson McIntyre Alumni 75th anniversary reunion. We ordered our souvenir spoons, golf shirts & sweaters through John. - Posted by: Christine Ward (School reunion friend) on: Feb 21, 2026
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I, along with the late Sam Toronczyk, would visit John at his shop on McDermott several times. We always had a great time. RIP John, your pain is gone. - Posted by: Fred Mazepa (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2026
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I have certainly wondered about this wonderful man over the years. I worked for Century 21 Apparel's and Y and M sweater craft for a very long time, as he was a supplier we were well acquainted and enjoyed each others humor. Trade shows with the gang in Toronto for many great memories. My Condolences and prayers to the whole family of your huge loss. - Posted by: Lorri McInnes (Old friend) on: Feb 21, 2026