It is with deep sorrow we mourn the loss of John Ralph Pistawka who passed away peacefully on September 8th at the North Shore Hospice with family and caring staff at his side. John was born in Waugh, AB, and at a young age moved to BC with his family before returning to Alberta and settling in Red Deer. He completed his education there and met his wife of 65 years, Eunice.
In 1954 he joined Industrial Acceptance Corporation (IAC), a national sales financial company which later transitioned to Continental Bank, then Lloyds Bank, and eventually HSBC. Over his career, John managed many branches including Medicine Hat, Regina, Lethbridge, Winnipeg, Calgary and Richmond. He was also responsible for the BC/Yukon Division for a period of time. He and Eunice transferred each time with their 3 children, always becoming active and engaged in the communities they lived, with North Vancouver becoming the final stop. John always spoke highly of the friends he met with the company and stayed in touch regularly. He took early retirement and then enjoyed selling real estate for the next 12 years with both Royal Lepage and Sutton Group on the North Shore.
John was very involved in the United Church and service clubs throughout his life. He was especially fond of the Highlands Fall Flea market where he could put his selling skills into practice. He was committed to the Pacific Open Heart Society, visiting patients in hospital to provide support for those awaiting open heart surgery and helping to organize their annual golf tournaments. John & Eunice enjoyed many years of holidays with their kids, driving to Kentucky, North & South Dakota, Disneyland to name a few. In retiring years travel to California & Hawaii were their favourites. John was a sports enthusiast throughout his life especially enjoying BC Lions, Vancouver Canucks and his 35 years as a member of the Seymour Golf & Country Club, where he recorded 4 aces.
Dad will be remembered as an avid golfer, a kind and gentle person who was quick witted and very organized & had many personal and family achievements in his long life, despite his humble roots. He is survived by his wife, Eunice Margaret Pistawka (nee Abbott) and his three children, Tami (Andy), Kevin (Anne) and Jason (Liz), his nine grandchildren and a large extended family in Alberta. His memorial service will be held on October 2nd, 2021, 1pm at Highlands United Church, no reception to follow due to COVID restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf can be directed to the BC Heart & Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.
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