Obituary of Joseph SAKUNDIAK

December 31, 1941 - Buchanan, Saskatchewan
September 18, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our dear husband, father, gigi, uncle, brother and friend as he joins hands with God.

Jo passed away peacefully on September 18, 2021, at the age of 79, at the Foothills Medical Centre surrounded by family. Survived by his treasured wife of 58 years, Mildred (nee Kohuch), his beloved children, Gail (Kevin), Laurie (Bryan), Darren (Tina); his wonderful grandchildren, Nicole (Thomas), Daniel, Jodie, Amanda, Joe, and Ben. Jo also leaves behind siblings, Lorna, Ivan (Joan), Marge, Phyllis (Barry), Gloria (Dan); and sister-in-law, Olga; along with countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jo was predeceased by his cherished son, Jeffrey, son-in-law Steve, mother Nettie, father Metro, and brother Lorne. 

Jo was born in 1941, the fourth of seven children, in Buchanan, SK on his parent’s farm. Jo graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic College in Yorkton spending Grade 11 at the seminary in Toronto. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg, where he and Millie went tobogganing, and the rest is history. Jo and Millie were married in July 1963 and moved to Calgary that September.

His faith was strong, and he was proud to be a founding member of St. Stephen’s Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church. After spending several years anthologizing the St. Stephen’s History book, it was a proud day when the book was published in 2012. Not only did Jo compile the book for St. Stephen’s, he also served on the church council as president, he was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and was on many committees including the Icon and The Men’s Stag. In August, while Jo was in the late stages of his illness, he asked to visit his cherished church one last time. While sitting in front of the altar, he said, “This is much more grand than I remember.” He loved his church!

Jo was manager of Systems and Computer Services at ATCO Ltd. for over 30 years. His employment took him to many parts of the world, including Montreal, California, Texas, Peru, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Hungary. If you were ever lucky enough to spend a dinner with Jo, we are sure he entertained you with humorous stories of his work adventures. 

Jo was introduced to music at a young age when his brother let him practice on his violin. Later he was gifted a guitar and his love for music blossomed. Jo learned to play by watching the bands perform at dances and weddings he attended.  If you were married in the late 60s or early 70s, chances are Jo played at your wedding.  His children love the story Jo tells of his audition to play in Johnny Cash’s band (he did not get the part). 

In their 58 years of marriage, Jo and Millie developed many lifelong friendships. They enjoyed curling, golfing, playing troika or cribbage, dancing, playing bocce ball, hosting dinners, telling stories and taking the time enjoying all those relationships. 

Jo was a collector of many things… mostly things not worth much. However, if you ever needed a tool, a piece of wood, a bucket, golf balls, lights, pipes, brackets, nails, or washers, it could be found in his garage. He was thrilled to know if you needed something, he could provide it.

Jo’s greatest achievement was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Some of his children’s favourite memories are camping in California in July (with no air conditioning), road trips to visit family in Manitoba, helping at the farm in Saskatchewan, late night card games, and early morning church. When not wintering in Palm Springs, Jo spent his days watching his grandchildren in dance recitals, playing volleyball, soccer, hockey, and attending Boy Scouts adventures.

We are blessed in knowing Jo has transitioned into his next journey. Our eternal life is beyond what our human bodies and minds can imagine. He will be greeted with much love by Jesus and many. “Go rest high on the mountain. Son, your work on earth is done.”

Those wishing to pay their respects can do so at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday September 22, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral attendance is by invitation only on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends unable to attend can stream live at https://youtu.be/Rf21_X74xNE on the day of the service. A recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared here.

In living memory of Joseph Sakundiak, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Joseph's memorial card can be viewed using this link

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event 
Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service.  
Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.
We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.