JOHN SHEWCHUK

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JOHN SHEWCHUK, Ph.D., P.Eng. Lovingly surrounded by family, John Shewchuk passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2008 at the age of 80 years, after a brief but valiant battle with heart disease and cancer. John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Victoria; children Cathy (Mark), John (Lucinda), Paul, Pat (Marek) and Sharon; and grand-children John, Anna, and Catherine (John) and Kai and Luka (Cathy); and siblings Boris, Anne and Olga, as well numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Eudocia, and by siblings Fr. Vladimir, Fr. Sebastian, Mike, Nick, Paul, Joseph and Sr. Marie. John was born near Sheho, Saskatchewan in 1927. His creativity, intelligence and unflagging hard work eventually led him to a career at the University of Manitoba. From 1966 until his retirement in 1997, John was a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. Teaching was his first love: he excelled as an instructor and his prime concern was always the welfare of his students. He was also a gifted design engineer with a keen interest in problems concerning human health and welfare. In particular, John invented a break-away base for light poles: the device causes a pole to break away and fall upon being hit by a vehicle, resulting in little damage to the vehicle and its occupants. This invention (which can be seen throughout the streets of Winnipeg) has prevented countless serious injuries and saved many lives. John will also be remembered for his considerable musical abilities, which he exercised and enjoyed throughout his lifetime. He was a gifted singer, adept at playing a variety of musical instruments, and had served as a choir director and composer. He also remained strongly supportive of his Church community and the celebration of Ukrainian culture throughout his lifetime. One of John's great personal passions was the game of golf; he remained a highly active member of Southwood Golf and Country Club well into his senior years. The family would like to extend special thanks to brother Boris for his attention and support in John's times of particular need, and also to the wonderfully skilled and supportive staff at the Riverview Health Centre, who made every effort to ensure the comfort and well-being of both John and his attendant family members. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 20 at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive. Viewing will be held one half hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2008