Obituary of John Andrew Sawkey

SAWKEY - Mr. John Andrew Sawkey of Saltcoats passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was seventy-three years of age. John Andrew was born on May 5, 1938 in a little log house where his parents Paul and Lena (nee Wicheruk) Sawkey had homesteaded. He grew up on the farm, attended Chatsworth School and graduated from Saltcoats High School in 1956. John Andrew graduated from Saskatchewan Teacher's College in 1957. His first teaching position was that as a grade 7 & 8 teacher at Mortlach, SK where he taught for 2 years. John Andrew later attended the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan and the University of Manitoba graduating in Arts and Science, and Education. John Andrew became principal at MacNutt and was the youngest principal in Saskatchewan. He retained this honour for 11 years until he accepted a position of principal of all three schools in Ituna, SK. During the last 2 years in MacNutt, John wrote, with the help of his students, "Those Were The Days" which was the history of MacNutt and surrounding area. He had to retire after 2 years in Ituna due to severe complications which set in after a ruptured appendix. Upon recovery he resumed teaching in Kamsack for one year and later at St. Thomas Moore College at North Battleford, SK as a grade 10 Science and grade 11 English teacher. John Andrew finally accepted a position as principal of the Indian Head Elementary School which he held for 11 years. A severe stroke had forced him to retire from the teaching profession permanently. During his time as principal at Indian Head, he adopted a student at the school in 1980, Marcel Pelletier. John Andrew and Marcel have always been very supportive of each other during the years. Being a single parent, John Andrew and Marcel had to take care of every aspect of life with each other. The greatest pastime of both have been being together - and travelling. Retirement had provided John Andrew with a lot of time to write and do some publishing. He wrote about social issues and in particular, unfair laws. His letters and articles have been published by a variety of publications. John Andrew had a great concern for the disappearance of wildlife and deteoration of the environment during his life. Thousands of butterflies and birds which used to be everywhere when he was a child had disappeared. He with the help of Marcel, have planted over 35,000 trees and shrubs since 1994. His dream and hope has become a reality in that the home quarter would be restored into a habitat for wildlife with "Returning Back To Nature" as the motto and the home quarter being renamed Sloughview Park. The park name being derived from the early pioneer's name Slough View to identify the home quarter. His constant companion was his dog Max who loved to ride in vehicles and go for a ride whenever possible. Together they spent a lot of time walking, playing ball and keeping rabbits and deer away from the yard. As a teacher, John Andrew had always tried to encourage his students, even those who found it difficult in life, to have a positive attitude. "You can achieve any goal if you believe you can do it. If you believe it can't be done - you're right, it can't be done." Predeceased by his father, Paul; a nephew, Denton as well as his loving canine companion, Max. John Andrew leaves to cherish his memory, his adopted son, Marcel, his mother, Lena; one sister, Ann; two brothers, Paul Jr. and Dave (Angie) Sawkey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A visitation and service of remembrance for family and friends was held on Sunday from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton. Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 25, 2011 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home with Rev. Walter Farquharson of the United Church of Canada officiating. The organist, Amanda Buhler led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'In The Garden', 'In the Bulb There Is A Flower' and 'Young Apple Tree'. Words of Remembrance were given by Marcel Pelletier. Interment followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with George Maben, Rob Wilson, Ken Aichele, Elmer Aichele, Gloria Rathgeber and Tim Wendel serving as casketbearers. Memorials in memory of John Andrew may be made towards the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association, Nature Saskatchewan or to Ducks Unlimited as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Service Information Monday, July 25th, 2011 10:00am, Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Interment Details Saltcoats Town Cemetery