JOHNNY W. STEFANCHUK

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JOHNNY W. STEFANCHUK
July 7, 1939 – January 12, 2022

If you're reading this, I've passed away. I can tell you that, while I'd have liked to stick around longer, I was ready. Two years beyond a ten year dialysis plan has taken its toll. It's hard to say goodbye to those I love, but I feel fortunate to have lived such a full life and I can proudly say that I packed a lot into it.
I knew from my late teens, that there was one great love in my life and I married Elizabeth (Betty) in 1960 when she was 19 and I was 21. Our children, Billy and Kathy, were born in the next two years and we enjoyed all the activities that young families enjoy... time with our parents (William and Katherine Stefanchuk and Dan and Anne Ewacha), with my sisters (June Jacques, Olga Boswick and Mary Wegner) and Elizabeth's brothers (Jarvis and Les Ewacha). Along with their spouses and children, we laughed, played, argued, worked and loved.
For my last two teen years and the first two years of our marriage, I taught math, chemistry and physics, first in Treherne and then at St. James Collegiate. Having skipped a grade and teaching from such a young age meant that I was younger than some of my students. I enjoyed teaching, but felt pulled in a different direction... the business world was calling. With Elizabeth at my side, we started with a lumber yard. Always interested in something different, I brought one of the first Concrete-Mobiles into Canada in 1969 and concrete became our focus, as that single truck grew into a small fleet that kept us busy for the next 40 years.
Elizabeth and I started dating when we were 15 and 16 years old. Adding that to our almost 62 year marriage gave us 67 wonderful years together. She was always my "beautiful bride" and, in her eyes, I was always her "hunk". Together we overcame significant hardship and celebrated hard-earned success. We watched our children grow into accomplished adults who we are so proud of. That pride extended to the next generation as Billy and his wife, Jodie, gave us our first beautiful granddaughter, Emma. Growing up, she delighted us on stage with her dance, acting and singing. As an adult, she's an impactful teacher, connecting with students in her own unique and positive way. Kathy and her husband (Denis, passed way too soon) gave us our second wonderful granddaughter, Beth. Growing up, her talents put her on stage for voice, acting and, my personal favourite, violin. As an adult, she has chosen to serve others by becoming a counsellor, helping young people find their way.
Elizabeth and I feel so blessed for the life we've shared. From laughter-filled dinners and Canasta evenings with dear friends, to travelling far and near, we've been fortunate. Our cruises have taken us around-the-world in 107 days. We've danced in the Canary Islands, eaten poi in Hawaii, kissed under Venetian bridges and left our footprints on Broadway and at the Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and the Pyramids. Together we decided that 1981 would be the last year we'd shiver through another Manitoba winter and we chose Las Vegas as our second home. Between the climate, the fun and the countless friends we made over our 40 years there, our semi-retirement was early and perfect.
Age crept up on me and I sure didn't like it very much. But as my time came to an end, I can say that I wasn't scared for this next step. I've enjoyed every minute of my life, I'm ready to move on and I thank you for being a part of my journey.
Given the current situation, I don't wish people to come together in any kind of service, but if our paths crossed in a way that has you remembering me, feel free to take a quiet moment, say a prayer or share a memory and a smile amongst yourselves.
From his bride, Elizabeth...
An extremely precious, precious heart, that of my best friend, my trustworthy confident and my beloved, beloved Husband, took his last breath today. It has broken my heart. Missing him is the greatest trial my human heart has ever had to endure. He was always my rock and handled everything with super strength, caring and great dignity.
We've been fortunate to have shared 61½ short, glorious years together. In those years, we were wonderfully blessed with a son and a daughter, and in turn they blessed us with one granddaughter each, who are so super lovable.
In our time together, we've left our footprints all over the world, even Ukraine where Johnny's father was born. We visited his dad's homestead and found five first cousins, who we visited three years in a row. He also enjoyed cruising all over Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. We would often comment how two kids per-r-rego Tolstoi got to do all this.
We thoroughly enjoyed our home in Las Vegas for 28 years. Every six months renewing our friendships with friends from Canada, England, Australia and the USA. We worked hard and played even harder. I've always said from day one, that the good Lord put the best man in the whole world for me in my life. And it was even truer on his last day. I've been so blessed. Thank you dear God for all of this. Johnny you will always be in my heart forever till we are reunited in the future. God please take care of my precious one. Johnny, I love you so.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation - Dialysis Program.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2022