Pituley, John
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
A life built on steady love and hard work. Joy and fulfillment came from a rink, or a ball diamond, devotion to those he loved most. A husband, a father, a grandfather and great grandfather. An anchor for his family, leaving a lasting mark. A wry wit, a subtle sense of humour. Loyal.
We will be forever grateful to having had the privilege of knowing John John, as I liked to call him, his absence at the next birthday or celebration will be felt. We are thinking of all of you, and sending big hugs.
PS The countryside is endless now John John, enjoy the ride and those prairie skies.
Sending my deepest condolences on the passing of Johnny! No matter where you would see them, you were always welcomed with a wave, smile and a hello! He will be missed by so many! Thinking of his family in this time!
-Courtney and Nevaeh-
A wonderful father and grandfather. Our condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I always looked forward to John and Florence coming to my hair salon for cuts and a visit, Im going to miss him, He always brought me a laugh, a smile and a new story I had never heard before. These visits were special and Im glad I got the opportunity to get to know him.
Our condolences to Florence a d family. We really enjoyed the visits and conversations with John and Florence. John will be missed. I guess heaven needed him up there more then on earth. The sky has open another star. Florence keeping all the memmories going he will always be with you. They say it is beautiful in heaven.
Love Darlene and Marcel
Sorry for Families Loss.of John.Thoughts of Florence and Family.
My sincere condolences to all the Pituley family. May the good memories carry you thru the tough times.
We are so sorry for your loss. It was always fun to see Florence and John when we were “home”.
Take care and cherish your memories.
Dear Florence and families. This is a sad time. Our paths crossed a number of times, starting with school in Rockglen, the many school reunions, and more recently Maple Creek and finally back to Rockglen! So thankful for our telephone conversation a week and a half ago. Many memories. Sending love and hugs to all.
❤️ Lilianne
So sorry to hear of John’s passing, my condolences to Florence and all of the family!
Dear Florence and Family
There are no words that can express the sorrow I feel for you and your family.
My sincere to condolences to you and your family. ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have many memories of his time in central Butte.
My condolences to Florence and family. John and Florence were so welcoming and friendly when we visited. I will always remember them dancing!
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Great memories of John and Florence coming to Keagan’s Storm Junior B hockey games and proudly supporting their grandson! May the family cherish all the great memories of a special man indeed!
Our deepest condolences to you and your family, from my family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Florence, Brenda and Karen, deepest condolences to you and your families on the passing of John. You are in my prayers.
This is such sad news. Thinking of you Florence and Brenda and Karen and their families. Speak of hiim often and keep all the happy memories alive
I am so sorry for your loss and sending my deepest condolences in this time of sadness. I am happy to have known John and value our family visits in my younger years. Sending hugs and prayers to Florence and family.
Florence and family, Donna and I send our deepest condolences to you all. We were deeply saddened when we got a phone call letting us know that John had passed away . I Allan always treasured Johns friendship. I remember the day John towed my frozen 51 Dodge from Killdeer to Rockglen and thawed it out in his warm garage.
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Condolences to Florence and family. I always enjoyed our visits with John over the years.
My condolences to Florence and family.
Sorry to hear about John’s passing. Florence and family. We had some great times when you lived in central Butte. He will certainly missed.
Our deepest sympathies to you Florence,Brenda,Karen and families .We have wonderful ,unforgettable memories of when we were living in Maple Creek.Many evenings playing cards that we enjoyed so much.Mostly wondering who’s deal it is.Wonderful to be able to see Karen when Charmaine, Debbie and Monecc get together on their yearly visits.
My Deepest Sympathy to Florence & Family on the loss of John. John & his brothers were my cousins, and living in Ontario it was years since I last saw them. Ralph & Edith visited us & we also spent time with them when we travelled West when the boys were small. I have wonderful memories of my visits in Saskatchewan.