Dad is survived by five daughters and their families: Dianne (Al) Gantner, Marilyne (Ron) Allen, Val (Bob) Davis, Barb (Doug) Pocha and Lori (Blair) Becker.
Grandchildren: Jeff (Sue - deceased), Chantelle (Travis), Chris, Nancy (Brian), Taira (Jeremy), Shaun (Natasha), Renai, Michelle (Curtis), Melanie (Todd), Janelle Quinn), Jordan and Emily.
Seventeen Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Dad is also survived by his sister, Eva of San Francisco.
He was predeceased by his parents Sophia and Alexander, a sister Anna and his brothers, Walter, Alex and Peter.
Dad grew up on a farm near Tway, Sask. He attended Saskatoon Technical Collegiate where he trained as a machinist and a welder. It was during this time dad met Irene Lutz, our mom, who passed away in 2009. They married in 1944 and over the years raised the 5 of us in Saskatoon.
Dad's first employer was John MacKay, owner of Acme Machine, where dad was instrumental in building the first "cobalt cancer bomb." He did precision measurements on the aperture which opened like a shutter to direct a calibrated beam of radiation toward the area of disease. Newer technology replaced the old, but today the original cobalt bomb can be viewed at the Western Development Museum.
On Main Street, in 1946, dad founded Nutana Machine and Welding with Carl Galbraith. The business, at another location, is still in operation to this day.
On Avenue C, in 1962, dad owned and operated Crankshaft Service and Supply, which in 1967, became Universal Engine Service. His crew of expert machinists rebuilt industrial, farm n•actor and automotive engines. Dad's business gained an enviable reputation for high performance work.
Our dad always loved music and loved sharing stories with us about all the times he played his violin at many country dances when he was a young man. He continued playing his violin into his 99 th year! Anything with a musical vibe caught dad's attention and it wasn't long before his fingers were dancing on the piano keys, or the banjo or guitar strings. He particularly loved the music of Vera Lynn.
Dad had a creative mind and was always able to devise a better way to solve a problem. If something was broken, he could fix it. If he didn't have a tool to make the repair, he made one.
Dad had a welcoming presence. His shop was always open to friends who liked to stop by for a visit and a cup of coffee, popcorn and chips too!
Our dad was an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. We have many fond memories of great times spent with dad and mom at Waskesiu Lake and Emma Lake.
Dad loved animals, especially dogs. We were told stories about Bonnie, his first faithful companion who would run from the farm to meet dad on the road. She loved her ride back to the farm, sitting up front on the motorcycle. Later in life, dad enjoyed the company of little buddy Roly, and more recently, Lulu, his pug.
Dad truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. As a father, friend and mentor he inspired many people. We have lost a connection to the past and he will be greatly missed.
We wish to extend a very big thank you to all the wonderful staff at Sherbrooke Community Centre. If you wish, donations may be made in memory of John to the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation, the SPCA, or to a charity of your choice.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11:00 am, at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place. For those unable to attend the service please follow the link below.
https://www.faithproductions.ca/livestreams.
