John Bilecki

“Papa John”

Born June 26, 1932 in Opovo, Banat, Serbia.  Came to Canada in September, 1958 to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  He arrived with his wife Joanne to Saskatoon with just the clothes on their backs not knowing a word of English.  They worked hard to make a good life here.  Dad, “Papa John” as he liked to be called, tried all kinds of jobs to make a living.  Eventually he went into construction building houses and apartment buildings and owned rental properties.  He was very successful in all his endeavors.  He provided us with many trips to Europe to visit his homeland.  A testament to his success was his ability to retire early at the age of 57 years and live comfortably until his passing.  He built a big cabin at Meeting Lake, Saskatchewan in 1980.  He loved the lake and spent lots of time adding a heart shaped pool and even a castle for his grandson Michael.  Dad loved spending time with all the family there.  This was his favourite place.  He was married in Austria while living in an immigration camp in 1957 to Joanne Ivanka Cvejovic.  Together they escaped their communist homeland in 1956 and left Europe for a better life in Canada.  Papa John and Joanne had two daughters born in Saskatoon.  Gloria born in 1960 and Susan born in 1962.  He was predeceased by his wife Joanne in August 2014, which really took a toll on him.  Papa John is survived by daughter Gloria (Ken) Katelnikoff, grandson Michael McKechnie (Christine); daughter, Susan (Bill) Matiko and granddaughters, Sophia & Serena; sister-in-law, Nada Anderson of Vancouver, BC; sister Donna Maksic and extended family in Serbia.  He died on Saturday, September 15, 2018 in his daughter’s home.  He was diagnosed with colon cancer on April 7, 2018 and had emergency surgery.  Unfortunately his prognosis was terminal as the cancer had spread to his bones and everywhere.  When released from the hospital he went to live with his daughter Gloria.  He was cared for with lots of help from his daughter Susan and also palliative nursing.  As per his wishes No Funeral Service will be held, the Family will hold a Private Graveside Service.  As Papa John would always say, “Everything’s gonna be Roses”.  Arrangements are in care of Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca