JOHN HOLIAN

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JOHN HOLIAN August 24, 1919 - June 29, 2005 It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Holian. He passed away peacefully at Seven Oaks Hospital with his family at his side. He was predeceased by his mother, father, two brothers and two sisters. John will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Cathie; three daughters, Jean (Stan), Betty (Gary), Sheila (Jim); son Ken; three grandchildren, David, Kelly and Miranda; three great-grandchildren, Michael, Kiana and Jonathan. John was born in Sylvan, MB and farmed there for several years. He then moved to Birch River to continue farming. He joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and served overseas for five years during the Second World War. While overseas, on leave in Edinburgh, Scotland he met the love of his life, Cathie Hughes, whom he married and brought back to Birch River, where they continued farming for a number of years. He then sold the farm and moved his family to Winnipeg, where he worked at various jobs. He retired after working 17 years for the Department of National Defence. John was a lifetime member of Ukrainian Canadian Legion Branch No. 141 for 47 years, where he was very active working on several committees. He loved to spend time at 141 with his buddies. During his retirement years he enjoyed watching sports on television, playing cards, bingo, talking to people (nobody was a stranger for long with John), going out for dinners (especially Alicia's) and going to the casinos. He really enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas. Dad had a great sense of humour and was a very kind, loving, gentle and generous man, who loved to joke and tease, especially children. The family thanks the nurses on the 5th floor of Seven Oaks General Hospital and a special thank you to Dr. John Moncek for all his care and compassion over the years. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Rev. Peter Cain officiating. Interment will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Military Section. Pallbearers will be nephews, Ron, Don and Dennis Robinson, David Hailoway; and grandsons, Kelly Holian and David Lekopoy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2005