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JOHN DREWNIAK
Born: Jan 08, 1931
Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN DREWNIAK John Drewniak, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Vita Personal Care Home in Vita, Manitoba. John leaves behind his beloved wife, Joyce, with whom he celebrated his 58th wedding anniversary on February 4. Also mourning his loss are his five daughters, Denise (Jerry) Lubiansky, Sandra (Jim Wiebe), Jo-Anne (Brent Patten), Joyce (Ray) Fisher, Mary-Ann (Brent Bjornson), and his son John (Micheline) Drewniak. Remembering their Grandpa with love are his five granddaughters, Brittany (Dan) Bonekamp, Erin Lubiansky, Karina Drewniak, Morgan Fisher (Marc), and Merissa Drewniak, and five grandsons, Taurean (Andrea) Wiebe, Eliot Fisher (Sierra), Jared Lubiansky, Justin Drewniak, and Lee Bjornson. Sadly he did not have a chance to meet his first great-grandchild, Scarlett Wiebe, who arrived on January 19. John is also survived by his sister-in-law Helen Drewniak, his nephew Stanley, his wife's brothers and sisters and their families, and his lifelong friend Ben Wnuk. John was born in Tolstoi to Eudokia and Stanislaw Drewniak on January 8, 1931. He lived his entire life in the Tolstoi area although he sometimes roomed with friends in Winnipeg when a job required him to do so. On one of those occasions he met Joyce Pederson, the love of his life. Not long after their marriage in 1956 and the birth of their first daughter, the young family made Tolstoi their home. John's life was centered on his growing family, his parents, the church and the community. He has left his family with a multitude of memories of camping trips and fishing expeditions. John was a jack of all trades, gaining experience by working different jobs throughout his lifetime. Those jobs included teaching at Bradley School, working for CN on a diving gang and as a fireman, and assembling farm equipment at the local dealership. He began his career with Canada Customs in 1962, and retired after 29 years of service. He was proud to be a federal public servant. John lived an active life and enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. He was an outstanding pool player, an avid reader, and a whiz at Trivial Pursuit. He easily completed difficult crossword puzzles, in ink no less, and was a formidable opponent at cribbage. His thirst for learning was evidenced by his obtaining a GED and becoming a licensed gunsmith later in life. Although much was stolen by Alzheimer's in the last few years, the disease could not conquer John's curiosity and his gentleness. In August 2013, his care was entrusted to the Vita Personal Care Home, and the family are forever grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to John by the staff. John was predeceased by his parents, his brother Michal, his sister Anne, and his niece Darcia. Prayer service and funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Malo Roman Catholic Church in St. Malo, Manitoba with Father Dominic LaFleur officiating. Interment will follow at the Tolstoi Roman Catholic Cemetery, located one mile north of Tolstoi. John's sons-in-law and daughter-in-law will serve as pallbearers and the Canada Border Services Agency honour guard will be in attendance. Flowers are gratefully declined but the family would be honoured if donations are made in John's memory to the Tolstoi Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund (P.O. Box 76, Stuartburn, MB R0A 2B0) or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba (10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2). Dad, you loved well and are well loved. Wieczne odpoczywanie racz mu dac Panie. Arrangements Entrusted To: Wiebe Funeral Home Altona Ltd. 204-324-5404
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2014
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Our family would like to thank the many people who offered their condolences on Dad's passing. Your phone calls and cards, attendance at his funeral, and donations in his memory tell us he was as special to all of you as he was to us. We miss him greatly but take consolation that his was a life well-lived. - Posted by: Sandra Drewniak (Daughter) on: Mar 06, 2014
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To the Drewniak family, we are deeply saddened to have heard of John's passing. Although we left Manitoba 27 years ago, and even longer from the farm in Tolstoi, I have many fond memories of John and your family. A special memory I have that is etched in my mind, is no matter when I saw John he always called me "Kuszhma", a nickname that he never failed to use when he greeted me. And there were those endless card games and the many stories that were shared around the kitchen table with John and my Dad's hunting experiences. Oh how I wanted to be the marksmen that they were! No matter what, John and Joyce were always there for my aging parents while they were still on the farm, and for this we are forever grateful. John was a caring and devoted man and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May you rest in peace John. God bless you all. Sincerely Casey & Delores Wnuk - Posted by: Casey & Delores Wnuk (Friend and Neighbor) on: Feb 23, 2014
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Szczere wyrazy współczucia dla Rodziny. Nie miałem okazji poznać świętej pamięci Wujka. Śpieszmy się kochać ludzi bo tak szybko odchodzą. - Posted by: Hentyk Michał Drewniak (first cousin from Poland) on: Feb 21, 2014
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Joyce and Family. John was more than a mentor and friend. Much of who I am today is because of his influences and advice having worked closely together for years. He helped me more than he knew. He was a good friend, taught me to play crib which I still enjoy and passed on his love of crosswords. He never said "no" if I needed help with anything. I knew him as a very hard worker, loyal friend and someone who loved his family very much. - Posted by: Verne Kulyk (Friend and colleague) on: Feb 21, 2014
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To Joyce and family. Please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time. George, Gloria and Jenna Slobodzian - Posted by: Gg (F) on: Feb 20, 2014
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Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I didn’t know him well but what I knew was he was a proud man. We had many chats while doing my hairdressing. Learnt a lot of news (information) from him. He talked about all of you and how proud he was of each and every one of you. R.I.P you will be missed by many. Linda Kyrzyk (Germain) Friend & Old Hairdresser. - Posted by: Linda Kyrzyk (Germain) (Friend (Old Hairdresser)) on: Feb 20, 2014
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We are saddened to hear of John's passing. We will keep you close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May God's love bring you comfort and peace in this time of sorrow. With our deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Jocelyne, Wayne, Nick, Chris, Tasia & Angelina () on: Feb 20, 2014
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Alzheimer's may have robbed John part of his life, but, the many pleasant memories of his smiling face have been etched forever in the memories of the many of us that were privileged to be touched by his presence. We will not be able to attend the funeral service but our sincere condolences are extended to Joyce and the family as a life well lived is celebrated along with the feeling of a great loss. Until we meet again after the rest. - Posted by: Maurice & Josie Drewniak (Distant Cousin) on: Feb 19, 2014
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I didn’t know Mr. John Drewniak however I had the honour and pleasure to work alongside two of his daughters, Jo-Anne and Joyce. I can attest that the family shares a strong values based - hard work ethic that I’m sure he was most proud of, and will continue on. Mr. John Drewniak and Mrs. Joyce Drewniak raised a wonderful family and my thoughts are with all of them at this time. With kind regards, Rick Stark - Posted by: Rick Stark () on: Feb 19, 2014
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Dear Mary-Ann: My deepest sympathy to you, your Mum and all your family on the passing of your loving father. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die". Love, Jacinta. - Posted by: Jacinta Carey (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2014
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We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Drewniak family and their loved ones. John is at peace now and in the hands of our dear Lord and his angels. Heaven has been blessed with another special angel called John. With love and respect, Sylvia and Gordon Bowen. - Posted by: Sylvia and Gordon Bowen (Family Friend) on: Feb 19, 2014
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Jo-Anne and Brent, Please accept our sincere condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this diffucult time. - Posted by: Debbie Connor & JD Godin (Friends) on: Feb 19, 2014
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Our condolences on John's passing. He was a fine man. - Posted by: Maurice & Josie Drewniak (friends) on: Feb 18, 2014
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I am currently in the USA and unfortunately won't be back until the 23rd of February. Please accept condolences from me, my husband Joe as well my parents, Stanislaw & Karolina Rudzki (who themselves are residents in a personal care home). May John rest in peace. - Posted by: Janina (Rudzki) Majowski (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2014