John Ignatius Pielecki

John, Thomas (his brother), Conner Ottewell, and James Dickson (his best friend) were returning home from fishing on Hidden Lake, when they were involved in the accident. James also did not survive.

The group had the time of their lives doing what they loved, fishing late into the evening by the light of the moon. A peaceful, innocent night, filled with companionship, jokes, laughter, and stories, echoing through the quiet of the night. Each boy trying to out-fish the other. This memory is forever darkened with the unimaginable tragedy of a head-on collision caused by an impaired driver travelling the wrong way on a divided highway.

This tragedy will not overshadow the light of John’s existence. He had a quiet presence with a deep spiritualness, who embodied personality.

John grew up in Vernon after relocating from Calgary in 2011. He attended Hillview Elementary and VSS.

John had a strong connection to Indigenous traditions and practices. He loved riding ATVs, fishing, swimming (especially in the ocean), sports (football was his favorite), martial arts, camping, hanging out with his brother and their friends, and, last but not least, off roading in his 4x4 truck.

Travel was becoming a favorite pastime, and he was fortunate to have experienced Cape Breton Island to meet with extended family. He was delighted to travel to Poland with his dad to experience his roots in Europe. John and James had a wonderful experience travelling to Dubai. His brother and he took several trips to Northern BC and Alberta together.

John’s spirit and sensitive heart are missed beyond words. He loved his family deeply and this was conveyed with his big hugs. His joyful laughter and unforgettable smile will be etched on our hearts for eternity.

John’s dreams, zest for life, enduring spirit, and love of friends and family will carry on through his brother, Thomas, who was also his best friend.

John is survived by his mother, Michelle Pielecki, father, Ignatius (Ig) Pielecki, and his brother, Thomas Pielecki. His maternal grandmother (Nana), Elizabeth Ann Rolfe (Betty Ann), and uncle, Roger Rolfe, his paternal grandmother (Babcia), Basia Pielecki, and aunt, Basia Dixon (Tony). His western family includes his “Auntie” Bonnie MacDougall, and Krystoff Kamieniak (godparents), Maggie MacDonald, and John Hugh MacDonald, and cousins Anne Marie Schaber and her sons, Chase and Dustin, as well as Greg McGarry, Fergus McGarry, and Maddoc McGarry, Meghan Yewell, Anya Pielecka, and Ari Pielecki. He is also survived by his cousins, Onsen Eagletail, Chay Brewer, Dustin Brewer, Dreydon Brewer, Shayden Brewer, Jaimus Brewer and Marcus Brauerock, as well as Cherokee Eagletail, Ashlyn Brewer, Edward Dixon, and Alex and Theresa Paszkiewicz. He is also survived by numerous great aunts, uncles, and cousins in Sydney, NS, Halifax, NS, Toronto, ON, New Brunswick, and Boston, MA, USA. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, John Charles Rolfe and Ignatius Pielecki, and uncles, John MacDougall and Vladimeer Pielecki.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to MADD or the Children’s Hospital, as per request of the family.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

A funeral service for John will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 10178 Middleton Dr, British Columbia, BC V1B 2K6.