John Holowatiuk

It is with our deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle John Holowatiuk who passed peacefully on August 17th, 2024 at St. Pauls Hospital Palliative care unit after a long battle of cancer and several illnesses.

 On March 13th, 1934, John was born, the fourth child of twelve born to Alex and Mary Holowatiuk in Buchanan, Saskatchewan. John grew up on a farm outside of Buchanan, and was hospitalized with tuberculosis at the age of 19, where he used the time recovering to learn how to play the harmonica. Following this he met his soulmate Margaret Wiztko. There after John and Marge were married on October 3rd 1957 and hopped on a train to make their forever home in Saskatoon. 

In 1958 they welcomed their first child Gary, followed by Maryann, Ken and Brad. John found joy in coaching his kids hockey and baseball teams as well as stock car racing throughout their childhood. He had many jobs throughout his life but his last and favourite was when at 53 years old, he bought his brother in laws cab license and enjoyed chauffeuring until his retirement at 65. 

John was the kindest and most gentle person we knew. He loved to bbq, play bingo, play cards and dance to Ukrainian music with his sweetheart Marge. He was a great cook and a professional perogy pincher. One of the things that brought him great smiles in his latest years was the sights and sounds of his great-grandchildren.

John is predeceased by his daughters In law; Brenda (Fredrickson), Cheryl (McLean), and his only grandson Jonathan Holowatiuk. 

He is survived by his forever loving wife Margaret of 66 years and 10 months, his children Gary, Maryann, Ken, Brad (Jean). Grandchildren Nikki McLean (Graham Pawelko), Lacey (Travis) Klotz, Krystal Skwara, Amber (Milan) Herauf, and Kayla (Branden) Devaux. Great grandchildren Kyler, Kamden, Knox, Preston, Munroe, Payton, Benjamin, and William. Sisters; Vicky Ganner and Pauline (Joe) Tysowski along with sister in law Linda Holowatiuk . He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss John. 

A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 at 1:00 pm at  Cherished Memories Funeral Chapel (591 Centennial Drive N., Martensville, SK) with a light lunch follow. For anyone unable to attend the service, please join us via  the livestream link found at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/97180

Donations can be made in John Holowatiuk's name to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Pauls Hospital in Saskatoon who took wonderful care of our John.