JOHN (JOHANN) PETER DRADRACH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN (JOHANN) PETER DRADRACH (Age 62) The Joke of the Day cabbie has taken his last fare. After a brief illness, John died peacefully at Health Sciences Centre on May 12, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna and his eldest sister, Jean Meder. He is survived by his common-law wife, Donna McKendrick, sister, Christine Hensel, and two nephews, Grant and Mark Hensel and their families, all of Aberdeen, Washington. John was born in Germany on April 12, 1949 and came to Canada in 1953 at age four. He drove taxi for 35 years at both Duffy's and Unicity taxi companies. John enjoyed being a cab driver. One of his greatest pleasures was making people laugh. One of his opening phrases to all his passengers was Have you had your joke today? He then would regale them for the rest of the trip with some of the corniest and biggest groaners ever heard. He even compiled and printed a series of joke sheets which he handed out to passengers as they were leaving called Jokes to Go . He said it generated great tips. He had a great love of reading and an eclectic taste in music. He also loved to attend Bomber and Goldeye games whenever possible to cheer on the home teams. John could usually be found playing with and spoiling the family cats. He had a gentle and outgoing personality and a wicked sense of humour. He will be missed by those who knew him best. Cremation has already taken place. At John's request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, 210-375 York Ave., Winnipeg, MB; the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, 452 Dovercourt Dr., Winnipeg, MB or a charity of their choice. Kilcollins Cremation Service in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2011