John Drewniak

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JOHN DREWNIAK

John Drewniak, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Vita Personal Care Home in Vita, Manitoba. John leaves behind his beloved wife, Joyce, with whom he celebrated his 58th wedding anniversary on February 4th. Also mourning his loss are his five daughters, Denise (Jerry) Lubiansky, Sandra (Jim Wiebe), Jo-Anne (Brent Patten), Joyce (Ray) Fisher, Mary-Ann (Brent Bjornson), and his son John (Micheline) Drewniak. Remembering their Grandpa with love are his five granddaughters, Brittany (Dan) Bonekamp, Erin Lubiansky, Karina Drewniak, Morgan Fisher (Marc), and Merissa Drewniak, and five grandsons, Taurean (Andrea) Wiebe, Eliot Fisher (Sierra), Jared Lubiansky, Justin Drewniak, and Lee Bjornson. Sadly he did not have a chance to meet his first great-grandchild, Scarlett Wiebe, who arrived on January 19th. John is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Drewniak, his nephew Stanley, his wife’s brothers and sisters and their families, and his life-long friend Ben Wnuk.

John was born in Tolstoi to Eudokia and Stanislaw Drewniak on January 8, 1931. He lived his entire life in the Tolstoi area although he sometimes roomed with friends in Winnipeg when a job required him to do so. On one of those occasions he met Joyce Pederson, the love of his life. Not long after their marriage in 1956 and the birth of their first daughter, the young family made Tolstoi their home. John’s life was centred on his growing family, his parents, the church and the community. He has left his family with a multitude of memories of camping trips and fishing expeditions. John was a jack of all trades, gaining experience by working different jobs throughout his life time. Those jobs included teaching at Bradley School, working for CN on a diving gang and as a fireman, and assembling farm equipment at the local dealership. He began his career with Canada Customs in 1962, and retired after 29 years of service. He was proud to be a federal public servant.

John lived an active life and enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. He was an outstanding pool player, an avid reader, and a whiz at Trivial Pursuit. He easily completed difficult crossword puzzles, in ink no less, and was a formidable opponent at cribbage. His thirst for learning was evidenced by his obtaining a GED and becoming a licensed gunsmith later in life. Although much was stolen by Alzheimer’s in the last few years, the disease could not conquer John’s curiosity and his gentleness. In August 2013, his care was entrusted to the Vita Personal Care Home, and the family are forever grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to John by the staff.

John was predeceased by his parents, his brother Michal, his sister Anne, and his niece Darcia.

Prayer service and funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Malo Roman Catholic Church in St. Malo, Manitoba with Father Dominic LaFleur officiating. Interment will follow at the Tolstoi Roman Catholic Cemetery located one mile north of Tolstoi. John’s sons-in-law and daughter-in-law will serve as pallbearers and the Canada Border Services Agency honour guard will be in attendance.

Flowers are gratefully declined but the family would be honoured if donations are made in John’s memory to the Tolstoi Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund (PO Box 76, Stuartburn, MB R0A 2B0) or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba (10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2).

Dad, you loved well and are well loved. Wieczne odpoczywanie racz mu dać Panie.

Arrangements Entrusted To:
Wiebe Funeral Home Altona Ltd.
204-324-5404

As published in The Carillon on Feb 18, 2014