Obituary of John Stelmack

John Stelmack, passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Katherine, on Sunday, December 4, 2005 at the age of 87 years. John was born on April 28, 1918 in Cooks Creek, MB. He was the third of six children. John served in the Royal Canadian Service Corps, 1st Division Troops from January 1940 until November 1945 where he mastered the mouth organ. John and Katherine were married on June 8, 1946. He worked for many years for Domtar in several positions across Western Canada. John enjoyed staying busy and active. In his “retirement”, he worked as a Commissionaire at the Foothills Hospital and as a cabinet maker/installer. He was happiest at his workbench in his garage, whistling while building or repairing the many projects his family would bring to him. There was nothing John could not fix. He took great pride in a job well done. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing. John endured many years of poor health that caused him great discomfort, but he always had a smile on his face and would work through the pain. He was truly proud of his service to his country in the Second World War and always enjoyed talking about his experiences overseas. He was keenly interested in current affairs and would pour over the newspaper every day actively discussing issues and politics. Our father was known for his good humour and his love of family and friends. John was many things to our family: an amazing mechanic, a skilled carpenter, an all-round handyman, an inspiration and an example of what hard work and love could accomplish. He was always there when you needed him, whether you were family or a friend. Later in life, he took great pleasure from seeing his grandchildren grow, the birth of his great-grandchild and sharing laughter and love at every family gathering. John was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will always survive in the heart of his wife of fifty-nine years, Katherine, and in the hearts of his children Marie Mulloy (Robert Mulloy), John Kenneth Stelmack (Celine Arseneault), and Cara-Lynn Stelmack (Mark Hoffinger). John will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Charisse, Chad, Adam and Peter; and his great-grandchild, Sarah. John is also survived by a brother, Steve Stelmack, of Birds Hill, MB; and two sisters, Anne Gulewich of Stonewall, MB and Doris Smith of Vancouver, BC. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (729 – 6th Street N.E.) on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (729 – 6th Street N.E.) on Friday, December 9, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Serhij Harahuc, Celebrant. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John’s memory to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Foundation, (Suite 100, 1011 Glenmore Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 4R6) Telephone (403) 212-8070. Our family sincerely thanks the staff of Unit 47 of the Rockyview Hospital and Dr. Jespersen for making his final days as comfortable as possible. We also would like to thank Dr. Dennis Fundytus of Cochrane who provided excellent care as his family physician. In living memory of John Stelmack, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.