Obituary of John Neufeld
John Neufeld passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community service, adventure, and love.
Born on June 2, 1938, in Boissevain, Manitoba, John was the youngest child of Johann and Agatha Neufeld. His parents had immigrated from Lindenau, Molotschna, Prussia—an area now located within the Zaporizhzhia Oblast of Ukraine—to build a new life on the Canadian prairies. Growing up on the family farm alongside his siblings, George (deceased), Tina (deceased), and Helmut, John learned the value of hard work at an early age. Although he did not complete his formal schooling, his determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong work ethic would carry him through a remarkable and successful life.
As a young man, John ventured beyond Boissevain in search of new opportunities. His journey took him throughout the Prairie Provinces and as far west as Calgary, where he built a diverse and accomplished career. Along the way, he held a variety of roles, primarily in sales and business development, including positions with Gulf Oil, commercial and advertising sales for CTV, antenna installation for Image Cable, co-owning a photo lab, and even earning his pilot's license. John never shied away from a challenge and was always eager to embrace new ventures.
John's greatest professional passion came when he and his beloved wife, Leanna, became owners and operators of the Good Spirit Lake Golf Course and Resort. Together they devoted countless years to growing the business and creating lasting memories for visitors and the local community. Whether it was late-night golf cart rounds to close the recreation centre and hot tub, barbecuing steaks for tournaments, supporting the maintenance crew, or advocating for the resort & staff through difficult weather seasons, John poured his heart and soul into the place he loved most.
Throughout his life, John was deeply committed to his community. He served on numerous committees and organizations, including Tourism Yorkton, the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, DU Ducks Unlimited, and the Rural Municipality surrounding Good Spirit Lake. He was a familiar face throughout the community, always active, engaged, and eager to lend a helping hand.
Above all else, John's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children:
- Kenneth Eric Neufeld and wife Diana, and their sons Eric, Drew, Travis, and Tory Neufeld;
- Dale James Neufeld and wife Deb, and their children Amy Lane Ellen Gammack and Tyson Neufeld;
- Bruce Allan Neufeld, and his daughters Karsti Trahan and Karissa Neufeld;
- Ronna Herman, daughter of John and the love of his life, Leanna, and her husband Bryan Herman, and their children Layton and Summer Herman.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Leanna, five years ago, a loss he felt deeply every day thereafter.
Throughout their years together, John and Leanna shared a love of travel and adventure. For more than thirteen years, they enjoyed annual vacations to Maui, a place that held a special place in their hearts. Each year, they would set aside three weeks to enjoy the island's beauty, sunshine, and treasured family time. There they enjoyed golfing, walks along the beach, good books, memorable dinners, and precious moments spent with Leanna's parents, Ron and Doris, and their daughter, Ronna.
Following retirement in 2005, John and Leanna continued their adventures alongside their loyal companion, Keihi. They explored the coast of British Columbia, stopping to play golf whenever the opportunity arose, and escaped Saskatchewan's long winters with road trips to South Padre Island, Texas.
John's life was defined by curiosity, resilience, and connection. He had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and genuinely enjoyed meeting new people wherever life took him. His adventures introduced him to many lifelong friends and unforgettable experiences, all of which he valued deeply.
In his final years, John made his home near his daughter Ronna and her family in the Calgary area. He passed away peacefully with his sons Ken and Dale, and his daughter Ronna by his side. Holding Ronna's hand tightly until the very end, he left this world surrounded by the love of the family he cherished so dearly.
An intimate graveside service will be held at Yorkton City Cemetery, where John will be laid to rest beside his beloved Leanna.
May they find each other once again and rest together in peace.
"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and forever dear."
