It is with great sadness that we share the loss of John Dmytro Taszlikowicz in Calgary, Alberta on July 3, 2015 of cancer at the age of 64.  He is survived by his immediate family Maureen Taszlikowicz his beloved wife and lifelong partner of 45 years, daughter Jan Taszlikowicz-Tunnell, son-in-law James Tunnell, granddaughters Hannah and Aries Tunnell, grandson Ethan Tunnell, Son Jonathan Taszlikowicz, Daughter-in-law Jamie Taszlikowicz, grandson Kingston Taszlikowicz, and granddaughter Mckenzie Taszlikowicz.  He is predeceased by father Julius Taszlikowicz and mother Stella (Balata) Taszlikowicz, and brother Gilwolf (Gil) Tashlikowich.  He leaves behind a large extended family and numerous friends and acquaintances.  As was true with everything John did in life, he fought the disease with an admirable amount of ferocity and determination, remaining dignified to the end. He was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on February 15, 1951 and graduated from the Lethbridge Community College with a diploma in Renewable Resources Management majoring in Conservation Enforcement, following which he embarked on a career as a Fish and Wildlife Officer posted in Fort McMurray, High Prairie and Hinton until 1979, at which time his value and commitment to his family prompted him to settle down in Hinton and invoke his skills as a tradesman carpenter working at a coal mine until 2002.  Throughout this period John built numerous family homes within the community.  It was with great sadness that he left Hinton to start a new adventure in 2006 following his family to northern Alberta and most recently to the Calgary area.

The breadth of his generosity throughout his life was evident through his many good deeds ranging from anonymously assisting less fortunate families, to cooking Christmas dinner for a Senior Centre, hospital and the local Friendship Centre and as a local volunteer in Hinton & High Prairie, AB.

John was witty and had an eccentric sense of humour. He loved to laugh and make others laugh in particular his grandchildren with numerous elaborate stories and gestures.  He loved cooking and entertaining whenever friends or family visits allowed.   One of his most precious cooking memories were the frequent family midnight snacks usually initiated from one of his late night cravings resulting in the entire household crawling out of bed.  He leaves with us a work ethic seldom seen and always gave his best effort to whatever he undertook. His friends admired his intelligence, warmth, and generosity.  

John was an avid outdoor and sports enthusiast (fishing, hunting, trapping, swimming, biking, etc.), in his early years proving himself an accomplished and recognized high school football player.  He remained active until a few months before his death and always connected to his love of nature. 

A heartfelt thank you to the experienced and caring team of doctors and nurses at the Covenant Care Dulcina Hospice who provided excellent around the clock care for John and his family in the final weeks of his battle.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial and luncheon at the Royal Canadian Legion, Strathmore, Alberta (230 2 Ave), on Friday, July 10, 2015 from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in John’s memory may donate to: the Alberta Cancer Foundation (www.albertacancer.ca/give-in-memory) or a charity of their choice.  The quote that best describes John’s life is: “Good and Bad… my life is my message from which others can learn”.   John’s last wishes were that there be no sadness with his departure as he has now left his torn body and is walking among his mountain trails and watching over all of as from afar.

 

 

• Date : 2015-07-03
• Location : Calgary, AB