John Chekierda

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of John Chekierda on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at the Ottawa General Hospital. He passed peacefully after a brief stay in hospital. John was predeceased by his mother, Zofia Chekierda, his stepfather, Stefan Lapynsky, and by his brother and various aunts in Poland.

John was employed as a radio announcer in his early years and was known as “Big John”. He fulfilled many duties at the radio station and shared his love of music with the public - all forms including country and western, classical and gospel as well. He was also an avid reader and researcher, spending many hours in the Ottawa Public Library.

A man of faith, John was a parishioner of St.John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine in Ottawa. He demonstrated his kindness and generosity in his steadfast service to his church, the organizations within the parish, and to the Ukrainian community at large. He was a good friend to all who were privileged to know him, and although he may be gone from our sight, his spirit and the memories we share will remain in our hearts.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the paramedics and medical staff at the Ottawa General Hospital for their dedicated care.

Funeral services for John will take place at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine, 952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.