John Snitinsky

August 23, 1921 – September 20, 2022

It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss and sorrow that we, the family of John Snitinsky – husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, and friend, announce his peaceful and gentle passing on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

John was born in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, the second son of Mike and Mary Snitinsky; he had one brother, Bill (d), and three sisters Doris (d), Katie (d), and Eva (d).

John farmed in the Watson area for many years and worked in construction throughout the winter months. He was actively involved in the Wimmer Orthodox Church as well as many community activities, namely baseball and curling. This year’s Father’s Day celebration at St. Ann’s Senior Citizens Village was all about sports. He sat proudly in his wheelchair holding his Watson Night Hawks jacket! Go Night Hawks!

On October 14, 1972, John married Pauline Stuchenko and became an instant Dad to Mom’s five children and three grandchildren. By the time we arrived home from their church wedding, he was the grandfather of four grandchildren, another grandson was born during the ceremony.

At the reception and party following the wedding, Dad gathered us three girls, Susan, Jo-Ann and Lenora and walked us around the hall introducing us to his many relatives as “his daughters”. He had become an instant parent and took that role seriously. He loved and cherished our mother and knew she was a package deal. Little did he know what he was in for!

Since that time, the family has changed to three children and grown to include thirteen grandchildren and twenty two great grandchildren. Most of his grandchildren did not have a grandfather other than John and he is often described by them as The World’s Best Grandfather.

Dad and Mom retired in the late 1980s and became Canadian Snowbirds, enjoying many warm winters in Weslaco, Texas where they delighted in making many friends, Canadian and American and hosting many visits from Canadian family and friends. They eventually sold the farm and moved to Saskatoon, ultimately making their final home at The Ilarion Residence where they were actively involved in numerous recreational activities as well as being participants in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints.

Dad was predeceased by Pauline, his wife of 39 years, his son Al, his daughter Jo-Ann, and his son-in-law James McNeil.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful, caring, supportive staff at St. Ann’s. Judging by Dad’s smiles and giggles, he was certainly happy during his time with you. A heartfelt thank you also to the Moran family, Maria, Claudia, and Sofia for the time you spent with Dad, for your wonderful and gentle care, and for being so incredibly supportive!

A Celebration of a Life well-lived will take place on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:00pm at Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Chapel, 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK, the interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.