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JOHN KUSTUROK Obituary pic

JOHN KUSTUROK

Born: Apr 25, 1931

Date of Passing: Mar 04, 2014

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JOHN KUSTUROK April 25, 1931 - March 4, 2014 Peacefully, on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg, John Kusturok passed away just shy of his 83rd birthday. Dad to Patti and Grandpa to Alex, John was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Redditt, Ontario. Dad and Grandpa proudly worked for CN Rail for 42 years as a conductor on the freights. His runs took him mostly to Sioux Lookout and Rainy River and he was well liked by all of his co-workers. After retirement in 1989, John enjoyed playing pool and the VLTs. Never one to wear his heart on his sleeve, Dad became a big softie when Alex was born. Alex and Papa spent many hours in Playland at McDonalds, playing mini-golf, feeding the ducks, and at Fun Mountain. Dad was fiercely proud of Patti and Alex and was constantly bragging about them to anyone who would listen. Dad was also a great crib player and rarely lost a game. Every holiday with Patti and Alex for the past several years always resulted in him winning the Kusturok Cribbage Classic. John always impressed family with his magic card trick talents. Having a great sense of humour, Dad was always very quick with the witty comments. From the "my wife is Russian but I'm in no hurry" line to "if you're gonna fly you'd better take a plane" to answering with the word "laid" when a server asked him how he'd like his eggs, Dad always got the laugh. Big thank yous to the workers at the St. Anne's and Fermor Sals who always served him with a smile even when he'd get their attention by saying, "Hey!" They all knew to put the tea bag into the pot before bringing it and to only refill up to the bottom of the spout. In addition to Patti and Alex, John is survived by his brother Bill (Carole) in London, ON and special friend Margaret Laurin. Dad was predeceased by his parents Alex and Anastasia Kusturok, and wife Eva. Patti and Alex would like to thank the medical staff on 5E at St. Boniface General Hospital for their kindness and compassion in treating Dad. Cremation has taken place and there will be no service as per Dad's wishes. Arrangements by Desjardins Funeral Chapel.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2014

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

  • Our deepest sympathies, Patti and Alex. Loved your dad's obituary :) and I'm going to use that egg line next time someone asks me how I want my eggs :) Joanne and Peter - Posted by: Joanne Davenport (CFVF fiddler and fiddle student and friend of Patti) on: Mar 12, 2014

  • Patti & Alex, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad / Grandpa, our thoughts and prayers r with u .....Hugs from us both ♥ - Posted by: Kaffy & Wade (Friend) on: Mar 12, 2014

  • Often saw John at Salsbury House on St Annes Rd after our Thursday practice session, always with a smile and a funny story. He will be missed. - Posted by: Carl & Shirley Sobkowicz & (southglen fiddlers) (Friends of Patti & Alex) on: Mar 11, 2014

  • Patti, what an incredible obituary. My deep condolences on the loss of your treasured father and grandfather. May you both be filled with his love and warm memories as the pain of his passing threatens to overwhelm you. You are in my heart during this time of loss. Grieve in your own way and don't let anyone tell you you're taking too long or doing it wrong. I always admired your relationship with your dad and enjoyed what you shared of it with your friends. I never met your dad but he was obviously an incredible man who had two incredible descendents. Lots of strength and love to you both. - Posted by: Lisa Taylor (friend and fellow musician to Patti and Alex) on: Mar 10, 2014

  • Patti and Alex, Sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa. I always had fun with your dad. God bless him and you both. I love you, Roland. - Posted by: Roland Demarcke (Old friend and neighbour in Lorette) on: Mar 09, 2014

  • Our deepest Sympathy Patti and Alex, John will be missed at all of our activities. He attended most all of them. - Posted by: Bob and Vergie Regent (Friends from River Gardens2 Club) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • My memories of Uncle John are of his quick wit & John always had some great Jokes! Whenever we came to visit he would not cut the grass So that I could run all over the yard with the self propelled lawn mower ( I was about 6 ) years later he told me he always had to cut grass after I left as I just pushed the reel mower in circles all over the back yard! John will be missed - Posted by: Brad Shae (Nephew of John) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • Thanks for sharing all the stories about your pop, Patti. I feel like I almost knew him! I'm glad you and Alex both had some farewell time with him. I know he felt your love while he transitioned out of our world and I'm sure your mom met him with a joyful welcome in heaven! Thinking of you at this difficult time, and continuing to send you prayers of peace and strength. <3 - Posted by: Joanne and Terry Stover and family (Friends) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • Patti and family Having grown up in Redditt I was often at your grandparents home and knew your dad very well. He was good friends with my parents. He was always a happy man and in later years was extremely quick to boast about how proud he was of you. So very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Carla Northcote-Brewer (Basso) (Family Friend) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • John was a good man! I'll never forget that his .303 British rifle was my first high powered gun that took down many a moose that fed my family. I still have it and shall pass it along to my sons so they carry on those memories. Thanks, John. Our prayers and condolences to you our dear friends Patti and Alex. God is with you always! - Posted by: Darrell Phillips (Friend of Alex and Patti) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • My sympathy to both of you, Alex and Patti, on the loss of someone great. It sounds like you will have great memories. The obituary was so well written. If you ever give up fiddling, you could take up writing. Best wishes! - Posted by: Cheryl Popplestone (friend) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • My condolences to Patti and Alex at this most difficult time. I hope that both of you will find comfort in your music. - Posted by: Lyla Bilton (Friend) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • What a lovely remembrance. Patti, I love your dad's favourite lines... a quality I appreciate about my own dad, too (his lines are as funny as "a screen door on a submarine"). You have chosen beautiful words and moments to share. May you always feel him near and may you be blessed with laughter and the loving memories that lighten the heart. Much love to you and Alex. - Posted by: Stacey Terry () on: Mar 08, 2014

  • Losing a Dad and Grandpa is one of the hardest things in life. Our family can attest to that. Patti....you are an incredible strong woman and your dad is now smiling down from Heaven. He knows all the love you gave him in his final days...hang onto those memories....cherish them...they will get you thru the hard times. Alex.....from what your mom has said....you were the apple of Grandpa's eye. You were blessed to have him in your life and he in yours. Your fiddling family holds you strongly in thoughts and prayers. Draw comfort from that. Big hugs await you in July at Camp Calvin this summer! - Posted by: Colette, Ben, Cassidy and Brett Zahar (Camp Calvin Fiddling Family) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • Sincere condolences for your loss Patti & Alex. Dad/Grandpa sure sounds like someone we would all love to have known. Wishing you lots of love & comfort in the coming days. <3 - Posted by: Leanne Catet (Friend of Patti & Alex) on: Mar 08, 2014

  • Dear Patti & Alex - Our sympathy on the loss of your dad & grandpa. We were your neighbours who lived behind you on Landry Rd. for many years. Your dad used to talk to Al whenever they would meet up. He is an angel now & will watch over you both every day. - Posted by: Al & Dale Ducharme (neighbour) on: Mar 08, 2014

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