JOHN ROBERECKI

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JOHN ROBERECKI April 7, 1928 - March 26, 2013 Our hearts are saddened by his sudden but peaceful passing. John was born second child of seven to Anna (nee Mozel) and Andrew Roberecki on a farm in Ledwyn. His early life was spent in the usual country boy lifestyle with school, chores, and hunting. Hunting was a necessity in pioneer life and he was a crack shot. During winters in the lumber camps he perfected his skill of falling trees; to this day he could still drop one on a dime. He used his amazing ability to help his sons-in-law to clear many trees. Big Bad John got his first Model T and became a mechanic and lover of cars for the rest of his life. He worked in mining as a shaft man in Atikokan and Red Lake, ON. Arm wrestling was a passion, with his great forearms giving him an advantage over his opponents and leaving them in awe (and short cash!). It was in Red Lake that John met his beautiful wife Julia. Six years later with daughters Lori and Stephanie, John and Julia moved to the Ledwyn family farm. John was soon reminded he was a carpenter and a miner, but not a farmer! Twelve years later along with their third daughter, Donna, the family moved to Arborg. The family made many trips west where they camped and had their first view of the mountains. Many weekends were happily spent at Aunty Anne's in Winnipeg. The girls grew up and left to pursue careers in the big city and remained a big part of his life. John followed their lives closely and was extremely proud of their choices. He loved his sons-in-law but never missed the opportunity to prompt them to greater aspirations (showing the short cut but never explaining the details!). In 1998, John and Julia moved to Winnipeg to spend time with their family. John missed his coffee with Ernie and his visits with Joe. He would go to auction sales and visit Arborg often. His grandchildren were a joy in his life. He loved Carly's perogies and Blayne's love and aptitude for mechanics. There were many visits to the junkyard and chats on how to get that old motor home and Lincoln off the blocks and on the road. John suffered for many years from rheumatoid arthritis causing immobility and pain. Dr. Burnell offered exceptional care when John underwent hip and knee replacements, which increased his mobility greatly. He was never a model patient but always recovered at an amazing rate. During his final years, Dr. El-Gabalawy, his caring Rheumatologist, offered an experimental protocol which gave him virtually no pain and greater mobility keeping him independent. He developed diabetes in his seventies and was grateful to Dr. Embil and Stephanie for keeping his toes on his feet! The Home Care program provided wonderful care and he enjoyed the nurses with their smiles and their great weather reports. John is survived by his wife Julia, daughters Lori (Glenn), Stephanie (Scott) and Donna (Mike), his sister Anne, brother Jerry and grandchildren Blayne and Carly. John was an entertaining storyteller, a creative and resourceful carpenter and a general jack-of-all-trades. Always up to date on the latest world events, he loved to share his point of view. His quick-wit and "dooze dobre" will be greatly missed. A private celebration of life will be held on his birthday. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Arthritis Society.
Publish Date: Mar 30, 2013

JOHN ROBERECKI April 7, 1928 - March 26, 2013 Peacefully with his family at his side after a sudden severe stroke. He was independent and quick witted to the end. In his words his life was "dooze dobre" (very good). Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Mar 28, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 30, 2013