John Pituley

John Pituley, aged 82 years of Rockglen, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026, with his family by his side, after a short stay in the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.  John leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, hard work, and, most importantly, a family who was his greatest pride and joy.  

John was born January 4th, 1944 in Rockglen to Ralph and Edith Pituley.  The oldest of five boys, John learned at an early age the value of hard work, responsibility, and family.  At the age of 14, John began working for many farmers up on “the Bench.”  His love of the land and the Saskatchewan countryside would remain with him throughout his life.  

John married the love of his life, Florence Bjornson, on October 8th, 1966.  Together they built a life centered around family, community, hard work, and making wonderful memories.  John began his long career with the Rockglen Co-op on September 1st, 1965, as a truck driver delivering fuel.  His strong work ethic and leadership abilities soon led him to become General Manager in 1971.  John and Florence later moved to Central Butte, SK where John continued as GM of the Co-op.  In September 1980, they moved to Maple Creek, SK where John was GM of Southwest Co-op.  He held that position for 16 years before retiring in 1996.  

Throughout his working years, John was also a leader in the community.  He was an active member and served as president of the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Committee.  He took pride in being involved, helping others, and contributing to the communities where he lived and worked.  His strong leadership, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand earned him the respect of many.  

Retirement brought John and Florence back to the Rockglen area, where they spent several years farming “Brown Acres,” Florence’s grandfather’s homestead.  It was a special place for them, connecting family history, the land, and the life they both cherished.  

John enjoyed an active and fulfilling personal life.  He and Florence loved travelling to the southern states during the winter months, escaping the Saskatchewan cold and enjoying new places along the way.  John particularly enjoyed watching Major League Baseball and attending spring training, combining his love of sports with his enjoyment of travelling.  Camping was another favourite pastime, with many memorable trips — especially to Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan — creating years of cherished memories.  One particularly special trip was to Australia, where John and Florence had the opportunity to connect with family there.  It was a highlight of their travels and a meaningful experience that John treasured.  

John found joy in the simple things.  He loved playing cards, visiting with family and friends, and going for drives.  He especially enjoyed checking on the wildlife and crops and taking in the beauty of the countryside.  John loved nature and could spend hours simply enjoying the land around him.  John loved music; he and Florence were known for their grace on the dance floor and enjoyed serving as DJs for many weddings, parties, and events.  He was also an avid sports fan, but watching sports was especially meaningful when one of his grandchildren was competing.  He proudly followed the Jacksteit boys playing hockey, Taylor curling, and Landen pitching wherever he happened to be playing baseball.  

John also took great pride in looking after the things around him.  His vehicles were always well cared for and was always proud of keeping his yard looking its best.  Whether it was maintaining his vehicles, tending to the yard, checking the crops, or simply taking a drive through the countryside, John had an appreciation for things being cared for and done right.  

But above everything else, John’s pride and joy was his family, whom he called “his greatest assets.”  Any time spent with his family was precious to him.  He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter and cherished every opportunity to be together.  His love for his family was evident in the way he supported them, followed their lives, celebrated their successes, and simply enjoyed being with them.  

The way John valued family was mirrored back to him in his final days, when those closest to him spent precious moments visiting him during his short stay at the hospital.  Their presence, love, stories, and time together reflected the deep bonds John had nurtured throughout his life.  Surrounded by those who meant the most to him, he was reminded once again of the greatest assets he had always treasured — his family.  

John is survived by his beloved wife, Florence; daughters, Brenda Jacksteit (Darcy) of Emerald Park, SK and Karen Bourassa (Sean Latta) of Lethbridge, AB.  He leaves behind four grandchildren who brought him great happiness: Taylor Felker (Kooper) of Lethbridge; Jayden Jacksteit (Jeline) of Regina; Landen Bourassa (Amber) of Winnipeg, and Keagan Jacksteit (Jenelle) of Pilot Butte and their two children, Millie and a baby boy expected this fall.  John was immensely proud of each of them and treasured watching them grow and pursue the things they loved.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Edith; brother, Martin Pituley; sister-in-law, Marilyn; and numerous aunts and uncles.  He was also predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Ted and Jean Bjornson.  John will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Ken; sister-in-law, Darlene; brother, Greg (Leanne); and Elwood (Debbie), along with their families; as well as his brother-in-law, Lorne (Judy) Bjornson.  

John will be remembered as a hardworking man, a dedicated husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a proud Saskatchewan man who loved his family, his community, and the land around him.  His greatest assets were never measured in dollars, acres, or accomplishments.  They were the people he loved.  

And for John, those people were his family.
His legacy lives on in them.  

Respecting John’s wishes a private family celebration of life will take place at Thanksgiving when John and Florence would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550