JOHN KRUTKEVICH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN KRUTKEVICH

As the sun was setting on October 25, 2024, surrounded by his family, John passed away suddenly but peacefully after a devastating illness at the age of 78.

(Gordon) John Krutkevich was born September 30, 1946, in Eden but grew up in Mountain Road, Manitoba. A true farm boy, John loved horses, tractors, and his dogs (all named Rex). We would like to apologize to every cow in western Manitoba as he could not pass a herd without honking at them.

John started dating Audrey Thompson from nearby Arden at a Saturday cruise night while working for Macleods in Neepawa in 1966, and it was true love. They were married on a memorably hot and humid July 11, 1970, where they danced all night, as John was known to do. They started their life together in Selkirk where Audrey was teaching and John began his lifelong career in Industrial Sales, initially at Bearing Supply in Winnipeg. John belonged to the Kinsmen in Selkirk, Brandon and St. James Assiniboia. They made many friends in their time in Kinsmen and they loved the service work (and the partying). From the age of 25, John donated blood and plasma as often as he could. He proudly displayed his badges and awards in recognition of his service.

John and Audrey moved to Brandon in 1976 where they started Brandon Bearing with their business partners and friends, Don and Eileen Porosky. They welcomed their daughters while in Brandon - Jamie in 1976 and Carolyn in 1979. They relocated to Winnipeg in 1980 when John began working for Gates Rubber Corporation, and their son Darcy completed their family in 1981. John was an active dad and community member, volunteering for many years with Varsity View and forming lifelong friendships along the way. He continued his passion for service work after his retirement by delivering Meals on Wheels weekly, when he and Audrey weren't in Arizona for the winter.

John and Audrey have lived in the same house in Charleswood for 45 years, where they raised their family. All of their children and grandchildren now live close enough to walk to their cherished home base on Milan. They grew an extensive network of neighbours who turned into great friends who will all miss him. Our childhood summers were spent at the cabin at Hillside Beach cooking over an open fire, playing endless games of Uno, and listening to his beloved Saturday night barn dances. He retired after 30 years with Gates and enjoyed golfing with the Manitoba Seniors and the Happy Hackers and with new groups of friends when they wintered in Arizona. John was very handy and always had the right tool. He was helpful around his kids' houses as well as at home. He would often say that he promised cheap help, not good work - though he was actually quite skilled. He was a patient teacher and conversations came easily when working alongside him.

John was charming and endearing and loved to chat. It was impossible to go anywhere without him running into someone he knew, and he greeted everyone like an old friend. He was a prankster and loved a good joke. His laugh was infectious and memorable, and many of our family dinners were spent laughing. He had a big heart and a generous spirit. He was a good man who lived a good life and we will miss him immensely. The sunsets are providing us with vibrant reminders of his love and spirit and we are finding such comfort in them.

John was predeceased by parents, George and Anne, sister Shirley Charleson, as well as sister-in-law Iris Winning and brothers-in-law, Bill Shaw and David Winning. He leaves to honour his memory his beloved wife of 54 years, Audrey, and his children, Jamie (Terry Slight), Carolyn (Lloyd Allarie), and Darcy (Carissa). He was a proud Poppa to six grandchildren whom he adored: Vera, Tyler, Jordan, Poppy, Leo, and Mack. He will also be remembered fondly by his sister-in-law Betty Shaw and his brothers-in-law, Don (Nancy) Charleson, Dennis (Lorna) Thompson, and Jerry (Midge) Thompson. He was Uncle John to many nieces and nephews as well as to many extended family members. He cherished that role, and he loved you all.

We would like to thank everyone who offered kind words, gifts and food during the week. We felt all your prayers and support. John received stellar care at both the Grace and Health Sciences Centre ICUs during his brief illness, but the family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Eric Jacobson and Dad's amazing nurse, Lucie. They did everything they could to save him, and their compassion, care, and professionalism eased our sorrow in a very difficult time.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson in the Park, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Diabetes Canada, Turning Leaf Support Services or a charity of your choosing.

Vichnaya Pamyat Dad - We know you're dancing all night up there, and must be so happy to be free of pain. Thank you for everything you did for us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2024, Nov 02, 2024