John Symenuk
The family of John Symenuk announce his passing on Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 after a brief illness at the age of 97 years.
John was born to George and Mary Symenuk in Hamton, SK on August 15th, 1923, the eldest of eight children. At the age of 20 he joined the Air Force and went overseas as an aircraft mechanic. Upon returning from WWII in 1945 he settled in Moose Jaw. In July 1947 he married Mag Barber. John worked at Moose Jaw Hardware and in 1951 he embarked on his 33 year career as a Journeyman Machinist at Gulf Oil. During that time John was an executive member of the OCAW union. He was a long time member and supporter of the local branches of the Legion and the ANAVETS.
John was involved with many sports: ball, golf, bowling, curling, and skating, as a player, coach and umpire, often in a leadership role. There were very few activities that his kids were involved in that John wasn’t in the stands or on the field coaching. In his later years he was a great supporter of his grandchildren’s activities. John was an accomplished 10 pin bowler with many trophies displayed in the Rec Room.
Following his retirement, golf became a favourite pastime. He was lucky enough to shoot his age at 76 and also scored a hole-in-one. He was granted a lifetime membership at Lynbrook Golf Club for his years of support and service as an executive member.
John loved music and loved to dance. He enjoyed following his favourite teams like the Blackhawks, Dodgers, Blue Jays and the Riders. He loved to do the newspaper crossword and the word search every day. John was so proud of being able to live in his house for as long as he did.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mag; infant daughter, Bonnie; his parents; sisters, Lena and Helen; brothers, Bill and Fred; and special friend, Flo. John is survived by his children: Bob (Linda), Marilyn (Brian Hill), Barb (Bruce Leech) and Lori Davidson, along with his 9 grandchildren: Jamie (Shawn Helland), Jeff Symenuk, Amy (Troy Sharpe), Graham Hill (Caitlin), Christie Hill, Courtney (Christopher Beaulieu), Robin Leech (Gabrielle – deceased), Lindsay (Jordan Magdalin), and Carlee Davidson; as well as 17 great-grandchildren. John is also survived by sister, Mary; brothers, Pete and Dan; sisters-in-law: Doreen, Florence, June and Ruby; brother-in-law, Gord; along with numerous nieces and nephews on both the Symenuk and Barber side.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held and John will be laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Unit 26 – 1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our sincere condolences to Barb and Bruce and Families
Barb we are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Condolences to you and your family. May you take comfort in your fond memories of his well lived life. Hugs to you and Bruce.
Nel & Eldon
He was a very special man. Whenever we were in Moose Jaw Extendicare visiting my mother and John was there he made point of coming and having a conversation with us and mom. He was a gentle and kind soul and will be missed.
So sorry to hear this … such a kind and gentle man who will certainly be missed by all your family. You had a wonderful relationship with your dad, Bob … take care Kerry and Mark
Thank you Kerry and Mark for your condolences and kind thoughts. Dad had a great life for his 97 years and was so proud to be able to maintain his independence and stay in his own home until the last couple of weeks. We, and he, were very fortunate that he maintained his faculties up to the end as well. A good life, well lived but some of those 97 year old parts just wore out. Thanks again, take care.
John will always have a special place in our hearts. Our deepest condolences.
Cathie Hunchuk and Randy Passmore and family.
Thank you Cathie and Randy for your condolences and kind thoughts. Dad had a great life for his 97 years and was so proud to be able to maintain his independence and stay in his own home until the last couple of weeks. The friendship he had with your Mom was a blessing after our Mom passed away. A good life, well lived but some of those 97 year old parts finally wore out. Thanks again, take care.
Our condolences Barb and Bruce. John a long an good life. We can all wish to live in the same house most of our lives, go to the hospital a few days and fall asleep. Sympathy to you and your family’s Hugs to all. Norma and Lyle
Sorry to read of your Dads passing. He was a true gentleman, always interested in others and so independent. He was a pleasure to know and spend time with. His was a life well lived, cherish your wonderful memories.
So sorry to hear this. You will have so many good…good memories. Such a gentleman.
Bob, Marilyn, Barb & Lori and your families,
Our thoughts are with you as you lay Uncle John to rest. He will be missed.
Love to all,
Sandy, Ray and Jason & family
My/Our sympathy Barb, to you, your siblings and all the families. You can be very proud of your Dad/G’mpa as he was a perfect gentleman. I can still see John and Flo dancing.
John had a well lived life on his terms. He and Mag were Mom and Dad’s favorite couple. They had many good times together! Garry and I enjoyed the Friday night suppers at the Legion. He will be missed. Blessings!
Thank you Vicki and Garry for your condolences and kind thoughts. Dad had a great life for his 97 years and was so proud to be able to maintain his independence and stay in his own home until the last couple of weeks. We, and he, were very fortunate that he maintained his faculties up to the end as well. Jimmy and Wilma were favourite friends as well. A good life, well lived but some of those 97 year old parts finally wore out. Thanks again, take care.
Condolences to the Symenuk families, from the Johnson families,
We do have a very long history of friendships between different generations. I went to MJAW Normal School with John’s sister Mary in 1954/5. She lived at the home of John & family. His wifeMag was a sister to my Aunt Isa Johnson.
Sorry for your loss Thinking of all of you.
To the family of John Symenuk
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle John. I remember his smile and kind and gentle character. He was the “tall” uncle at all the Symenuk gatherings! He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Sending our condolences to Marilyn, Brian and your entire family. We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have fond memories of your Dad, Marilyn, such a kind man and always a warm smile. We are thinking of you with love and sympathy.
My condolences to the entire family on John’s passing.
To Pete and John’s family, our sincerest condolences. John was truly a gentleman and always had a friendly greeting and smile for everyone. He will be missed at the golf course, the Legion and many other spots in the city. His family will have many special memories to cherish and he will be remembered fondly.
To Marilyn, Brian and family
Our sympathies to you all.
Bob, Marilyn, Barb, Lori and families… I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Your Dad was one of the good guys always a smile and a kind word. I loved growing up across the alley from you and have many great memories from that time. Sending a warm hug to you all!
Symenuk family ; your dad always had that twinkle in his eye and was such a gentleman .Someone who I have fond memories from my ball days : Condolences to you all ..
I had meet John when I was very young thru my dad George and Pete Kalanuk . I had not seen him for many years but have fond memories from the times I had with him.
So sorry to see of your loss of family member John. He was a special person in all your lives.
Oh my – such sad news.
As many have said John was a true gentleman and widely respected as such.
I enjoyed golfing with Uncle Ray Jones and John – listening to their banter and recalling stories of their life experiences.
Rest in Peace – the world was a better place with you in it.
-Jim
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was a great neighbor & gentle man. He always welcomed the kids from the block to his house & big yard to play. Great memories. Our deepest sympathy & condolences to Bob, Marilyn, Barb, Lori & families.
Thank you Bev and Randy for your condolences and kind thoughts. Dad had a great life for his 97 years and was so proud to be able to maintain his independence and stay in his own home until the last couple of weeks. We, and he, were very fortunate that he maintained his faculties up to the end as well. A good life, well lived but some of those 97 year old parts finally wore out. Lots of good “Coteau Street” memories though for us all. Thanks again, take care.