John KOWALCHUK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KOWALCHUK: John Harry Kowalchuk passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at Souris District Hospital. John, son of Harry and Catherine Kowalchuk, was born on February 20, 1921, in the village of Rozdaliw, Western Ukraine. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1928 and settled at Whitkow, Saskatchewan. John left school at the age of 15 to help out on the family farm. He farmed there for ten years, breaking prairie sod with three horses and a sulky plow. On August 11, 1945, John married a neighbour’s daughter, Olga Kindrachuk. In 1946, they sold the farm and moved to Souris, Manitoba, where they were partners in the Souris Dry Cleaners. In order to operate the high pressure steam boiler there, John obtained a Power Engineer Certificate. John was the Truant Officer for the Souris Valley School Division for 25 years. He was also a rural mail carrier for many years. John and Olga sold the dry cleaning business in 1980 and retired to their home on the banks of the Souris River. Never one to be idle, John took on a summer job as caretaker of Souris and Glenwood Cemetery, a position which he held for seven years. In his younger years, John was very active in the Souris community. He served as a volunteer fire fighter and ambulance driver, as a Town Councillor, and as a member of the Kiwanis Service Club. He and Olga were also staunch supporters of the St. Luke’s Anglican Church. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work, curling, and golfing. He played his last round of golf a week prior to his passing. After retirement, John and Olga took a number of trips to Mexico and points in the United States. During their 55 years together, they prevailed over fire and flood, and often commented that they “had been through hell and high water and wondered what was coming next”. After Olga’s death in 2001, John continued to live in his home on the Souris River, cared for by his son and daughter-in-law, Don and Joyce. His needs were simple, and he made no demands. He was active with the Souris Fellowship Club and enjoyed shuffling and cribbage night. His love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unconditional and constant. John had recently marked his 38th year of sobriety. His faith in God was deep and abiding. John is lovingly remembered by sons Don (Joyce) of Souris and Greg (Dianne) of Rivers. He was a wonderful Dido to Raymond (Kelly) and Andrew (Jessica) of Toronto and to Melody Stewart (Charles) of Rivers, Candace of Brandon, and Amanda of Rivers. He was Great Dido to four: Emily, Ethan, Nicolas, and Nathan. John will also be missed by his brother Eugene Kowalchuk of Souris and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Olga, brother Bill, and sisters Anne and Mary. A service to celebrate the life of John Kowalchuk was held at St.Paul’s United Church, Souris, on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Rev. Mark Murray officiated. Grandson Andrew gave a very fitting eulogy. At John’s request, granddaughter Melody and her mother Dianne sang How Great Thou Art. Pallbearers were grandsons Ray and Andy, grandson-in-law Charles Stewart, great nephews Kent and Kelvin Kowalchuk, and family friend Tom Gonsalves. Interment was in Souris and Glenwood Cemetery. Donations in John’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements were with Kowalchuk Funeral Services, Souris.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 09, 2010