He received his primary education in the rural school of Shield and his high school at Blaine Lake High School. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, receiving a Diploma in Agriculture. He then attended Dr. Salisbury College in Charles City, Iowa and received a Diploma in Poultry Diseases. Additional upgrading included courses in welding, motor mechanics, bee-keeping and field husbandry at the University of Saskatchewan. His work years centered in the agricultural field, as a poultry inspector with the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture. This was followed by time as a factory sales representative with Meriche Feeds, Morton Chemical, and Jamesway Livestock and Poultry Manufacturing Equipment.
He found time to contribute to the family farm at Blaine Lake during days off and weekends. He also became a 4-H Club leader, establishing a Grain Club and leading camps for young boys, as well as promoting 4-H at trade shows and exhibits.
He later became the owner-operator of a retail carpet and furniture store in Saskatoon. Eventually, he converted the retail store into a public fund-raising bingo hall – Bridge City Bingo. The Hall raised money for good causes and benefited thousands of charities and communities and their young people, who worked to raise funds for their activities. Living by the Golden Rule was instilled into their lives from an early age and continued over the generations.
John spent much time in organizational endeavors and leadership roles. He was a lifetime member of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party, as well as the Blaine Lake and Saskatoon Doukhobor Societies. He was Past President of the Saskatoon Riversdale Kiwanis Club, a strong supporter of the co-operative movement and an active member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and the Saskatoon Co-operative Association, an executive member for the Riverlands Heritage Preservation Region Inc., and President of the Saskatoon Russian Cultural Club.
His sporting activities centered around baseball, skating, hockey, track and field, curling, hunting and fishing. He and his family (wife Luba and four children) travelled to many countries in Europe, Africa, South America, Cuba, Russia, the USA, and provinces in Canada. Their family’s favourite winter holiday spot was Veradero in Cuba.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Cosette Fernets, his parents, Nicolas and Pauline, his brother Alex and wife Betty, his sister Vera and husband Sam Cheveldayoff, his nephew Jim Atamanenko. He leaves to mourn his life partner, Betty, his children, Duane, Bruce and Barbara, six grand-children, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by many, many friends from his many life endeavors.
After a very full and busy life, John deserves to Rest in Peace. Pamyat Vechnaya.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor.
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