John Romancia

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Romancia on Tuesday, September 2, 2021.

John is survived by his children Warren, Caroline (Dave), Margo (Marc) and by his sisters Helen Romancia and Rosel Romancia. John had four grandchildren, Jena, Leah, Kyle and Riley and four great grandchildren. John will also be deeply missed by his special friend, Karen Simpson.

John was predeceased by his wife Irene, parents, Molly and Fred Romancia, sisters Mae Larson and Anne Smith, and brothers, George and Mike Romancia.

John was born on a homestead north of Blaine Lake, SK on April 10, 1936. At the age of 12, John’s amazing work ethic began to emerge and John got his first job as the janitor of the Blaine Lake Hotel. He also worked on the farm, went to school, found odd jobs and did his best to stay out of mischief. At approximately the same time, John had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated himself as a follower for the rest of his life. At the age of 18 after high school, John moved to Regina and studied to become a combined Lab and X-ray Technician. Following technical school, he took his first position working at the Preeceville Hospital. About two years later, he was offered a position at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic as the first Nuclear Medicine Technician. At the age of 21, John married a beautiful young woman from North Battleford named Irene Edna DeLong and together, they celebrated 39 years of marriage. At about age 38, John made the transition to instructor with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences for a few years.

At approximately the age of 40, John made a major career change and ventured out on his own as a home builder constructing around 80 homes and several apartment buildings in his career.

Through John’s later years he kept himself very busy with his rental houses, a never ending supply of projects, travel and his extensive social life. As the quintessential extravert he was, John loved people and loved to have fun. He was a constant source of ideas to connect people, find adventures, explore new things and have fun; his infectious laughter will be missed by all. His cabin was a large part of the good times he enjoyed with friends and family. He would often invite his group of friends up and enjoy weekends fishing, boating, having fires, working and enjoying fellowship. John was always an avid athlete excelling especially at ball and hockey. He continued to play hockey into his near 80s.

As John was a devoted follower of Jesus, the church was a big part of John’s life and he loved attending gatherings where the Word of God was preached. His heart was always inclined to the lost, suffering and impoverished. John started the first boys’ club at his church and consistently served and never missed an evening in over 18 years. He poured into many people’s lives for decades - many calling him their spiritual father, their mentor, their long-time friend. He supported numerous charitable organizations, overseas missions and would often spearhead initiatives that brought people closer to Jesus. His deepest passion was that the world would find salvation in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His favorite scripture verse captured this passion as follows: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” Matt 6:33.

The family would like to thank the staff of 5100, Royal University Hospital but especially Doctor Nataraj for his kind and compassionate care during John’s brief stay at the hospital.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Circle Drive Alliance Church, 3035 Preston Avenue South, Saskatoon. The service will be recorded and uploaded the following day to: www.faithproductions.ca/livestream  A Private Family Interment will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens prior to the service. Arrangements in care of David Schurr – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.