JOHN EWATSKI

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JOHN EWATSKI Peacefully, on September 15, 2002, John Ewatski, beloved husband of Joyce, passed away at the Health Sciences Centre. John will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Joyce, his devoted wife of 56 years. Treasuring always memories of a wonderful father are his children, Michael (Kathy), Julie (Ken Odokeychuk), Jack, Jamie (Cheryl), Kathy (Pat Foret) and Johnna (Russell Sangster). Cherishing the love of their grandfather are Michael Jr. (Tracie), Kevin (Tamara), Krista and Taylor, Tim and Alana, Tracy (Derek Smith), Jess and Josh, Laura and Claire, Jason (Doreen) and Jesse. Brett and baby Teagan are precious great-grandchildren. Johns sister Lee (Andy Opitz) and brother Joe (Louise) will miss their devoted brother. Sister-in-law Nellie Ostaffi and brother-in-law Derek Hill will miss Johns love and friendship. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, neighbours and a host of friends. John was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary; his brothers, Bill, Metro, Peter and Fred; and his sisters, Ann and Mary. Dad was born in Winnipeg on November 25, 1924 and lived his entire life in the north end. He proudly served his country during the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Navy aboard the HMS Puncher. Dad took great pride in being an Atlantic Star recipient and being commended by both the Canadian and Russian governments for humanitarian efforts. Johnny returned home to marry his sweetheart Joyce and begin their life together. Dad worked hard all his life. His career with the CPR spanned over 30 years with his retirement in November 1984 from the position of car foreman at Weston Shops. He was an active and longtime member of the parish of St. John Cantius. Over the years he served his faith community in many aspects of parish life - always being available for any task that needed to be done. He extended his service to his church as a lay Oblate of St. Benedict, maintaining close ties to the Benedictine Order. Dad was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, St. John Council No. 5369. He was privileged to serve several terms as Grand Knight, always working hard supporting the mandate of the Knights. In recent years, dad renewed his ties with Legion 141 and enjoyed the activities and friendships this association afforded him. Community involvement was always important to John and he was respected for his talents, his integrity and his honesty. He served his God and his community well. Dad was most happy when he was sharing his time with Joyce and his family. Mom and dad were fortunate to take many trips together and worked side-by-side making our home one that was always welcoming and filled with love. Preparing for all our special family times and making sure that all the details were attended to was of utmost importance to Dad. He always did his best for his family. He supported mom and us in all our endeavours. His unwavering interest, support, encouragement and practical help allowed us to become the best we could be. He was our hero, our greatest fan he will continue to always be the wind beneath our wings. Dads life will be celebrated during Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church, 846 Burrows Ave. with his friend and pastor Rev. Fr. Henryk Uczniak officiating. He will be laid to rest in the cemetery at St. Benedicts Monastery immediately following the service, with his grandsons serving as pallbearers and granddaughters as honorary pallbearers. Joyce and the family acknowledge and will be forever grateful for the efforts of and the care shown by the City of Winnipeg Fire Paramedics and Winnipeg Police Service District 3 officers. We express our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and attendants of the MICU and B3 Ward of the Health Sciences Centre. You treated John with the utmost respect as you cared for him and we are grateful for your genuine concern for both him and our family. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the St. Benedicts Foundation, 225 Masters Ave., Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1 in memory of John would be gratefully appreciated. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2002