JOHN OHRYN

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JOHN OHRYN John was born Friday, August 23, 1929 at Winnipegosis, MB to Nellie and Michael Ohryn. He was raised on the family farm in Meadowlands, MB. John was the youngest of six children. At age 17, John moved to Moose Lake, working and residing with his oldest brother Paul and Pauls wife Rose. In 1949, John moved to The Pas with Paul and Rose and their family. Here he met Marge Melnick. John and Marge were married Saturday, September 23, 1950 in The Pas. Together they raised their family of three children, Wendy (1958), John (1960), and Sandra (1961). John and Marge celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, September 2000. John took great pride in taking care of his family. John had a number of jobs in the north including working for the fisheries and mining. In 1952, John hired on with the railway, where he was employed as a locomotive engineer until his retirement in 1990. A special memory for John while working for the railway, was being the fireman for the Royal Tour in 1970. John loved the north and the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, and making dill pickles. He always enjoyed spending time with family and friends, joking with his son-in-law Doug, and special times at the family cottage at Clearwater Lake. Returning to the Winnipegosis area for visits was very important to John. A major highlight for John was his five grandchildren, Courtney and Garrett Turner, Hayley and Melissa Ohryn, and Brant Ohryn. Do Do cherished all of the special moments with his grandchildren which included time at the cottage, playing board games and cards, soccer and baseball, and going for boat and ski doo rides. John was also attached to the family pets, especially his former cat Tiger, and Benji. He used to talk about all of the animals on the farm and always had a pat for a dog or cat, or a special treat for one of the family pets. Other special moments included the many trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Marge, where they enjoyed beautiful scenery, a warm climate and making new friends. John passed away Saturday morning, July 28, 2001 at Clearwater Lake, aged 71 years. John is survived by his loving wife Marge; daughter Wendy Ohryn and grandson Brant Ohryn of Dauphin; son John Ohryn and granddaughters, Hayley and Melissa Ohryn of The Pas; daughter Sandra and son-in-law Doug Turner, and grandchildren, Courtney and Garrett Turner of The Pas; brother Sam (Tina) Ohryn of Winnipegosis; sister-in-law Rose Ohryn of Dauphin; brother-in-law Albert Melnick of The Pas; sister-in-law Elizabeth Melnick of Moose Jaw; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. John was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Nellie Ohryn; brothers, Paul and Nick; sisters, Amelia and Ann; mother-in-law Cassie Melnick; sister-in-law Irene Melnick; and nephew Barry Harrison. John was a kind, gentle, generous, and hardworking man who always had time for family and friends. He will be greatly missed. He lives on in our hearts. We will cherish all of the moments we had with John. We love you Do Do. Rest in Peace. Prayers and visitation were held Thursday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas. A Reflection of Johns Life was given by James Hemauer. The Divine Funeral Liturgy was held Friday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Ghost, The Pas, with Fr. Eugene Rudachek and Fr. George Malik presiding. The eulogy was given by Mike Ohryn. Following the interment, prayers at Lakeside Cemetery, a time of fellowship and sharing was held at the Norlite Hall. If friends so desire, donations in Johns memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 301 - 352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H8, or a charity of choice. Active pallbearers were Bev Jackson, Al Gleason, Vern Alm, Lloyd Baschak, Bill Patmore, and Albert Melnick. Honorary pallbearers were all Johns friends. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, were in care of arrangements. 623-3261.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 11, 2001