John Kuchirka

August 2, 1923 – November 30, 2014

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Kuchirka late of Prince Albert, SK.  With his wife at his side, John passed away at St. Pauls Hospital in Saskatoon, SK on November 30, 2014.  John was born on August 2, 1923 in Chortovets, Ukraine.  He came to Saskatchewan in 1927 and married his first wife, Vera in 1950.  He was a farmer and army veteran, as well as a Board Director for the Credit Union for a number of years starting in Smeaton, SK.  John retired from the army in 1947 and had remained a member of the Elks and Legion since that time.  Most of his life was spent in Shipman where he ran sawmills and later farmed.  John was a great father, husband, gido, friend and leader within his family.  He met his wife Helen in the Ukraine and brought her to Canada where they raised a family together in Prince Albert, SK.  John was a hard working individual with a great work ethic.  He was a strong willed person who had boundless energy when dealing with a project or idea.  You could find John either in the garden or going for a drive with his wife.  One of John’s greatest pleasures was raising his family and using his “It’s the principle” idea which he took through life and taught to all he knew.  Each accomplishment only made John more determined to start another.  In 2000, John made the move to Prince Albert where he continued farming and working with the Credit Union as well as his life and desire; waking up thinking of new ideas and ways of learning and teaching family and friends.  John was an avid bowler and enjoyed curling, baseball, hunting and fishing.  As well, he would run seven miles every single day.  John is predeceased by: his first wife of 39 years Vera; his parents: Olena and Mike; his brothers: Steve, Nick, Peter, and Orest; and by his sisters: Anne, Molly and Alice. Left to mourn John and celebrate his life are his wife of 21 years: Helen Kuchirka; his brothers: Mike and Bill; his sister Mary, his inlaws: Vasyl (Oksana); his sons: Mick and Jim; grandchildren: James, Sandra (Amie), Patrick and Melissa; and great grandchildren: Alexis, Aurora, and Keegan; stepdaughters: Luba (Ed), Syetlana (Amin); grandchildren: Victoria (Paul), Vasyl, Ivan, Helena; and greatgrandchild Ariana.  As well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.  John will be greatly missed and remembered for the life he shared with all he loved and cared for.  Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.  Funeral will take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 with Rev. Fr. Lomaszkiewciz as celebrant.  Both services will be held at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 305 – 6^th St. E, Prince Albert, SK.  Interment will take place at Shipman Cemetery, Shipman, SK.  Arrangements are in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors.  306.763.8488 www.MacKenzieChapel.ca

• Date : 2014-11-30
• Location : Saskatoon SK