JOHN MARUSCHAK

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JOHN MARUSCHAK Peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2008 at Concordia Hospital, John passed away at the age of 87 after a short illness. John is survived and lovingly remembered by daughter Ellen Kliewer (Henry), grandchildren John Delisle (Pamela) and Alana Delisle; his brothers and sisters, Marie Patek, Peter Maruschak (Mary), Bill Maruschak (Ann), Iris Kopchuk (Mike), nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Born September 16, 1921 to Anna and Michael Maruschak in Stuartburn, MB. John left school at a young age to work on a neighbouring farm for Frank and Cissy Pott who declared he was just the man they were looking for . With the outbreak of the Second World War John enlisted with the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1939, one of 1,975 Canadian soldiers (Winnipeg Grenadiers together with the Royal Rifles of Canada) sent to defend Hong Kong. Following a 17-day battle, the British Crown Colony was surrendered Christmas Day to Japan. Survivors were taken prisoner to work in slave camps for the next three years and eight months. When the war ended John returned home to Canada and obtained employment with Inman Motors where he developed his skills as a body man and trimmer, highly regarded in the industry. John married Pearl Johnson, May 22, 1946 and was predeceased by her in 1997, missing her deeply all these years. They had a long and happy marriage enjoying many lovely holidays taking their daughter on wonderful camping trips exploring Western Canada and the US - with miles of movie footage capturing the memories. They also had a trailer at Spruce Sands then on property in St. Malo for a number of years while their grandchildren were young. In later years John and Pearl were able to enjoy holidays in Jamaica, Hawaii, Great Britain and Portugal. In his retirement he did a beautiful job finishing their basement and having been a music man' many years from 1961 playing records/tapes for weddings, socials and banquets his love of playing and listening to music remained one of his greatest pleasures. He was a member of the 29er's CB Radio Club and had a HAM radio operator's license. John enjoyed fighting with his computer' downloading and watching many of his home movies. Even though his world had become smaller in recent years, John actively embraced life and was fully engaged in the world around him, looking forward to the safe arrival of his first great-grandchild. He had a special sense of humour and a positive accepting outlook, choosing to make the best of whatever life held. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Concordia Village and Concordia Hospital for their compassionate care and attention. A celebration of John's life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2008