Obituary of John Bereziuk

BEREZIUK - Mr. John Bereziuk, beloved husband of Mary of Ituna, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2005 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. He was 91 years of age.The son of Mike and Mary Bereziuk, John was born in the Churchill district on January 5, 1914. He attended the Beaver Hills School and had to miss many days in order to help out on the farm. He talked about the hardships he experienced growing up and at an early age operated the threshing machine during harvest. For many years he hauled cream, lumber, gas and grain and in 1939 the Homefield Post Office was formed and John became the Post Master. On November 16, 1940 John was united in marriage with Mary Burianyk. They were blessed with two sons, Bill and Michael. John loved community involvement and served many terms as councilor of the R.M. of Garry and the Town of Ituna. He became a Massey Harris Dealer while still in Homefield and in 1963 brought the Dealership to Ituna when he and his family moved. He was involved with Massey Harris and then Massey Ferguson in excess of 50 years. During this time he and Mary enjoyed many trips to various countries and solidified many friendships. He was a Charter member of the Ituna and District Lions Club and served on the Hospital, Recreation, Regional Park and Ambulance Boards. John loved curling and continued to play well into his early 80's. More than curling he loved to fly and spent many enjoyable hours flying the skies with his step- nephew Jerry Kowalchuk. Farming the land was in his blood. He was crushed when he could no longer make his way up into his combine due to a hip fracture. He spent many hours watching the progress before him from the comfort of his car. Seeding and harvest developments were shared with him until the end because of his keen interest. He was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and had a special bond with his grandson Brett because of course he became a farmer as well. He was a gentle giant who had an infectious laugh and would have given his last dime to anyone in need. He is predeceased by his sisters Annie (Joe) Sawa, Sophie (Peter) Borys, step brother Paul (Mary) Kowalchuk and step sister Mary (Anton) Gendzelewich. Also brother-in-laws Bill & Jerry Burianyk, and FrankHall. He is survived by his wife Mary; sons: Bill (Bernie) and Michael; his grandchildren Renata, Chantel (Richard) of Regina, Brett of Brooks, Alberta and Alaina (Shane) Michelson of Lipton; great grandchildren Rylan Campbell of Regina and baby Mckenna Michelson of Lipton. He is also survived by his sisters Nell Burianyk of Saskatoon, Rose Hall of Regina; as well as brother-in-law Mike (Edith) Burianyk of Regina; numerous nieces, nephews, and his many other relatives & friends. Prayer services were held on Friday evening, June 17, 2005 from Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ituna. The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 18, 2005 from Holy Ghost Church. Rev. Father Melvin Slashinsky officiated. Cantor, John Smysniuk led members of the parish choir and the congregation in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Shane Michelson, the bannerbearers were David Kowalchuk and Stan Smysniuk. The interment followed in the Parish Cemetery with John Hall, Morley Schwindt, Clarence Borys, Bill Burianyk, Rylan Campbell and Brett Bereziuk serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details