John W. Koshurba

John was born on January 29, 1928 in Chippewa, Ontario to Pearl Wowk and Alex Koshurba. Raised in a strong Ukrainian cultural environment, John learned the importance of strong family values. Sadly, John lost his father in his early teens. Pearl remarried and her new husband, Alec Evanchuk, took on the responsibilities of raising a new family. From this marriage Dianne was born and became John’s only cherished sibling. During WWII , John took on many adult responsibilities, preparing him for his professional life.

He attended technical school in Hamilton, Ontario, where he excelled in Mathematics and Science and was encouraged to pursue Engineering as a career. He became the first member of his family to attend university, graduating in 1954 from Queen’s University with a degree in Civil Engineering. During this period John met Betty Pataki and she soon became the love of his life. They were married, raised 3 sons, and were together for over 60 years until her passing in 2011.

John enjoyed a fulfilling career with the City of Hamilton and Region of Wentworth. He retired in 1992 with his extended family attending a special evening in his honour.

John is survived by his sons, Robert (Kymm), Glen (Sue), and Larry. Grandchildren include David (Ainsley), Kip (Robin), Kaitlin (Mark) and Lauren (Guillaume). Great grandchildren, Isla, Finn and Mack.

His brother in law, Arthur Hencher and sister in law Olga Hencher were instrumental in keeping John happy and comfortable in his later years and they will miss him greatly as well. Many other relatives will miss John, including the Smiths and their extended family.

John and Betty spent many years attending and supporting Ryerson United Church in Hamilton.

Special thanks to staff at St. Peter’s at Chedoke and the Court at Rushdale for their care and support in his later years. The dialysis team led by Dr. Rabbat and the nurses at the St Joseph’s dialysis clinics deserve praise for their care and compassion.

Memorial service will be through the Cresmount Funeral Home in Hamilton at Ryerson United Church at 2pm on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Reception to follow at Ryerson immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada would be greatly appreciated.