obit: Winnipeg Free Press August 10, 1999 (NewspaperArchives.com)
Peacefully, with his entire family by his side, our loving husband, dad and grandpa, John Alexander Dwernchuk passed away on Saturday, August 7, 1999 at Health Sciences Centre.
Left to cherish John's memory and carry on his legacy are his devoted wife Vicki; his daughters, Debra Osterhout (Ralph) and Laurie Lange (Richard) and his grandchildren, Torrie, Jon and Robert. As well, he leaves behind his mother Doris Mokoid; his sister Rose Lavoie (Charlie); sister-in-law Angela Tuck (Cliff); brother-in-law Ron Romaniuk (Cheryl) and their families. He was predeceased by his father Alexander Dwernchuk and in-laws, Michael and Stella Romaniuk.
John was born on July 2, 1930. In October, 1950, he married the love of his life and soulmate, Vicki and together they raised their girls. His family was the most important thing in John's life. Through the years he loved, nurtured, taught and guided his family unconditionally. We lovingly cherish memories of family dinners and get togethers, happy times at Big Stone, numerous shared vacations to foreign countries. Our patriarch was our pillar of strength and our loss is profound.
Due to John's kind and giving nature, he made many lasting friendships through the years. His personality and sense of humour always drew people to him. He and Vicki were always active, from bowling to ballroom dancing, from mall walking to golfing. After retirement, John truly enjoyed their winter jaunts to either Florida or Palm Springs and summers at the lake. In his spare time he was always lovingly building something special for one of his family.
A hard working dedicated man, whose career in commercial heating and air conditioning spanned 37 years, the majority of it spent at I.V.C. At age 54 John was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and two years later decided to take early retirement. In 1998 John was inducted into the Pioneer Club of The Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba for his many years of service to the industry.
John spent 15 years waging a long hard battle against cancer. Everyone who knew him and even those in the Cancer Clinic marvelled at his courage and positive attitude. Friends who were themselves later diagnosed often commented that they drew strength from him. John never gave up. Neither did we.
The family gives special thanks to Dr. Eric Bow for never giving up on John. Also, thanks to the special nurses of GD6, the Chemo room and Hematology at Health Sciences Centre.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy. Interment to follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, John's family gratefully re quests that donations be made to the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, 100 Olivia Street, Winnipeg,