Obituary of John Gorchynski

GORCHYNSKI - Mr. John Gorchynski of Yorkton, formerly of Hamton, beloved husband of Josie Gorchynski passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at Yorkton District Nursing Home at the age of 82 years. John Nicholas Gorchynski was born on January 15, 1926, the second child of Nick E. and Minnie (Tysowski) Gorchynski of the Hamton district. John attended Oleskow School, completed Grade ten education, enrolled in a Commercial College, and graduated in Motor Vehicle Mechanics from Chicago Vocational Training School at Edmonton, Alta. He achieved a Certificate of Journeyman's status in the early 1950's. On August 8, 1952 he married Josie Sholikowski of Fisher Branch, Manitoba. John and Josie started farming. Together with farming John was a Fuller Brush salesman for two years at Winnipeg, Brandon, Kamsack and Hamton areas. In 1954, John and Josie purchased a business at Hamton, Sask. They opened a garage and service station, a bulk farm fuel business, and sold a short line of farm machinery. In 1954, they were blessed with a daughter Caroline, and later in 1957 a son John B. In 1958 John was awarded a sub dealership for General Motors, and began selling new cars. In 1960 he was appointed as a postmaster for Hamton. The original building was remodeled into a grocery, hardware store and post office. Mail was delivered to Hamton three times a week by railway up to the mid 1960's, then later by truck. In 1972 the post office had been closed at Hamton and this caused the grocery business to slacken. In 1974 the grocery store was closed and John continued to operate the garage and service station until 1985. This was the last business that was ever operated in Hamton, Sask. John believed in serving his community and served on various committees throughout the region, such as: Hamton Community Recreational Hall, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Yorkton and Canora Union Hospital Boards, EMO, and many committees serving the Rural Municipality. He served as a councilor from 1973-1984 and a Reeve from 1987-1992 in the Rural Municipality of Sliding Hills. John was an Insurance Agent and sold Hail Insurance up until this last year. John and Josie are members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton and Wroxton, Sask. John was a member of the Order of Saint Andrew and TYC. John believed in serving his community but his first love was his family and farming. He passed this passion on to his son, who joined him on the farm from an early age. In 1979 John joined in partnership with his son and they continued to farm together until 1996. He never fully retired, soon after he became the gopher (go for this, go for that). John never gave up his right to operate the combine at harvest time, and continued to help especially at harvest up until the last few years, when his health would no longer allow him. John was a loving husband, father and a fantastic gidi. His grandchildren are still in awe of their Gide's great heart and unconditional love. It did not matter what they did, how many different hair colors they had or what style of clothing they wore, he could never have loved them more. He left them a great gift, teaching them to love life, accept people for who they are, and always be patient and loving. Gidi was so proud of their accomplishments, but most important he loved who they were, and the responsible young adults that they became. John loved all his grandchildren, although his relationship with each was unique and special, Jeffrey could joke and tease his Gidi in ways no one else could get away with. Carrie could make his eyes light up with her enthusiasm and laughter, and Amanda was his baby and he held her close. John welcomed his new grandchildren Halayna and Rian with open arms and loved them as though they had been a part of his life always. John loved hunting, and playing cards, in his younger day he played ball and attended many dances throughout the region. John and Josie loved to travel and often went to BC to visit Josie's Uncle Bill Charney. They travelled frequently to Winnipeg to visit Josie's family. They also ventured to California, Las Vegas and Mexico. John leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life, his wife Josie of 56 years. A daughter Caroline (Jerry) Heshka of Maidstone, Sask. and grandson Jeffrey John and (Halayna) Heshka of Yorkton. A son, John B. (Gail) Gorchynski, of Hamton and granddaughters Carrie (Rian) Schlechter of Yorkton and Amanda of Regina, Sask. Brother Edward (Ida) Gorchynski of Swan River, Man. Sisters Adella (John) Dozorec, Elizabeth (Stan) Krochak both of Yorkton. Sister In-law Betty Gorchynski (Reg Cayer) of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Sister-in-law Helen (Donald) Slavuta of Fisher Branch, MB and Edythe Sholikowski of Winnipeg, MB. As well numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by sister Theresa in Dec. 1946, brother Joseph Sept. 1986, father Nicholas Dec. 1986, mother Minnie Dec. 2007, mother-in-law Caroline and father-in-law Michael, brothers in-law, Walter, John, Bert, Alfred, and sister in-law Clara. Husband, Father, and Gidi, you are at peace now, and will be sadly missed, but forever in our hearts. We Love You! Prayers were held on Thursday, August 28th and the Funeral Service on Friday, August 29th. Both services from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Fr. Mel Slashinsky, Rev. Father Patrick Powalinsky and Very Rev. Archpriest Mikolaj Derewianka officiating. Responses were led by cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky & parish choir members . The cross bearerer was Jay Gorchynski and the banner bearers were Trevor Gorchynski and Stanley Krochak. An honour guard was formed by members of Order of St. Andrew. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Jeffrey Heshka, Rian Schlechter, Greg Gorchynski, David Gorchynski, Dwayne Krochak and Leonard Dozorec serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, August 29th, 2008 9:30am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens