In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden unexpected passing of John Zawyrucha at home April 22. He is survived by his loving wife of 68yr, Edna, daughter Patty, son Jerry both of Edmonton, brother Ed (Carole) of Kelowna, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Sam & Ann, sister Polly (Jim Dean) and brother Wally.
Born in 1931 and raised on his grandfather's original homestead farm near Rama Saskatchewan, he was the 2nd of four children. He began school in Loch Sloy and later the family moved to the "metropolis" of Rama where he finished high school.
John moved to Weyburn Sask where he gained employment as a male nurse at the Weyburn Mental Hospital. This experience would serve him well in the later years during his career with the RCMP.
John joined the RCMP in April of 1951 and served in various locations throughout Alberta and at HQ in Ottawa, serving in various positions both in uniform and plain clothes. K Division - Edmonton, Peace River, Slave Lake, Edson, Smoky Lake, Faust, Viking & Red Deer. While at Ottawa HQ he was Customs & Excise, Contract Policing, Research and Development & on the McDonald Commission Task force.. Following his retirement as Staff Sergeant in 1979, the family moved and settled in Vernon where he and Edna grew fruit, veggies and many many flowers. For eight seasons he worked out at Ellison Park as a Park ranger enjoying the many aspects of an outdoor job.
He reactivated his membership in the Knights of Columbus, becoming a District Deputy, State Chairman & 4th Degree Knight. He was a very active member in the construction of Lady of Valley church, purchase of the land, instrumental in construction of the pews as well as utilizing his lifelong love of woodworking, he built a total of 17 furnishings for the new church including the Main Alter, Lectern, Music stand, side tables, water fonts etc.
John was a very accomplished musician starting with the violin at 11 yrs old and becoming proficient on most stringed instruments. He played dance music with numerous bands in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and in the Okanagan area. His musical abilities carried over into some good times and in making many friends while enjoying the many "Snowbird" winters in Arizona and California. He continued to make music with several local groups and was part of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of the Valley church.
John had a variety of hobbies and enjoyed most sports, travel & RV ing, woodworking & music, along with gardening & pruning of the many fruit trees and shrubs on the property overlooking the Coldstream valley.
John will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his generosity, humor, musical talent and the conversations on many topics he had with his loving family & friends
May God Bless him and keep him forever in our thoughts and prayers.