JOHN WELICHKA

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JOHN WELICHKA October 11, 1919 November 20, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved stepfather and papa on Friday, November 20, 2009. He passed away peacefully at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home with his step-daughters Karen and Debbie by his side. John will be forever remembered and sadly missed by his stepchildren: Debbie Pretula (Brad), Karen Podolsky, Randy Spelchak (Susan), Valerie Koss (Bruce); grandchildren: Emily, Matthew, Maxcine, Bryan, Devon and Cory; great-grandchildren Dylan, Samantha and Tristan. He is survived by his sister Alexis, brother George and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his loving wife Bernice (2005), parents Kateryna and Alex, brothers Nick and Billy, sisters Sophie, Mary and Bella. John was born October 11, 1919 in Stuartburn, Manitoba and later moved with his family to Gonor. John was a corporal in the army during the Second World War, stationed at Shilo, Manitoba. Although he never saw active duty, it was an experience that left him with many stories to tell. In 1944, he went to work as a painter for the CNR and worked at the Transcona shops for 37 years. In 1980, he married his sweetheart, Bernice. John loved carpentry and built his first house in Transcona, he enjoyed building and renovating projects well into his 80s. John enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping and boating. John was a sensitive, gentle and caring man with a real zest for life. When diagnosed with laryngeal cancer at the age of 87, he successfully endured radiation treatments. A special thanks to Dr. Assuras at Health Sciences Centre for giving our papa a few more quality years with us. Papa's love for life and will to live it could not be underestimated. The family would also like to thank the staff at River Park Gardens for the care given to our papa for the past two years. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. also at Cropo Chapel with Very Rev. John A. Melnyk officiating. Interment will follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made in John's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT Eternal Memory CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2009