JOHN (IVAN) SKOCHELIAS

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JOHN (IVAN) SKOCHELIAS Peacefully, on Thursday, February 22, 2001, Ivan Skochelias, aged 77 years, with his beloved wife Olga, daughter Lesia and close friends Jon and Pauline Baron by his side, passed away at Concordia Hospital. Leaving to mourn is his family, his loving wife of 54 years,Olga; his three daughters, Julie (John) Kerr, Lesia (Harold) Dyck, and Anna (David) Jurgens; nine grandchildren, Marnie (Erin) Wade, Catherine (Bradd) Sims, Ryan, Vanessa, Kevin, and Matthew Dyck, Rory Mack, Tyler and Austin Jurgens; and many nieces and nephews in the Ukraine. Ivan was predeceased by his parents, three brothers and a sister. Dad was born February 8, 1926 in Lvivski Povit, Ukraine. In 1941 he went to Germany where he met and married Mom. Looking for a better life for his family he moved us to Canada in 1952, first to Kirkland Lake, ON, where he worked in the gold mines for three years. In 1955, he moved his family to Winnipeg, where he worked construction and for building contractors, sometimes working at more than one job, then for the CPR until his retirement in March 1981. In his "spare time" after work he was able to renovate a house, build a cottage and two new houses for his family. All his life Dad was a hard worker and we were constantly told by his former bosses and co-workers of his work ethics and he was always highly praised. Dad would forgive a slight, forget a wrong and extend a helping hand to anyone who asked. He was generous, unassuming, gentle and forgiving. His love was unconditional. He was never more happy than when his grandchildren came to visit and each in their time rode on his shoulders for hours on end pulling on his hair without a single complaint from him. Dad was a devoted husband, father and Dido. He did so much for all of us and gave unselfishly of himself and his time. His loss will be deeply felt by all and he will be forever missed. The family would like to thank the staff of N3E at Concordia Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Dad during his five week stay. A very special thanks to our dear friends Jon and Pauline Baron for all their help and thoughtful support. We dont know what we would have done without you. Ponaheda (Prayers) will be held Sunday, February 25 at 6:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral service will be conducted at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 92 McGregor St., on Monday, February 26 at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Fr. Mikhail Kouts officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jon Baron, Harold Dyck, John Kerr, Harry Kanchir, Nick Pona, Peter Sochasky and Mike Zubach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ivans memory to the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Vichnaya PamYat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2001