Obituary of John Nikolaychuk

1934 – Woking, Alberta
2021 – Calgary, Alberta

John Nikolaychuk, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021 at the age of 87 years.

Born and raised on a farm near Woking, AB, John early developed a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors. His practical streak and spirit of adventure led him all the way from rural northern Alberta to study petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma. 

John had a successful career first with Gulf and then Dome before retiring at age 50. He enjoyed travelling with his wife, Marion, volunteering with a variety of agencies and, always active, he continued to golf, curl, ski and hike, well into his 80’s. 

Although a solitary soul, he missed Marion and his son, Grant, who both predeceased him by many years. Independent and determined, John stayed in his home, despite a diagnosis of dementia, until the week before his death. 

He is mourned by his daughter Kathryn (Stolo) and extended family and neighbours who will all miss his soft-spoken humility, wry sense of humour, mischievousness, and boundless curiosity.  

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, www.alzheimercalgary.com or to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/.

In living memory of John Nikolaychuk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.