John Onyskiw

John Onyskiw was born to Gabriel and Pearl (Ostapiw) Onyskiw on January 1, 1932 in Kelvington Saskatchewan.

As a young boy, John attended East Treherne and Treherne school. When he turned 14, John lost his father and quit school to take over the family farm. In 1956 John’s life changed for ever when he met Ida Knutson at a school dance. They fell in love and were married on November 7, 1958, in Kelvington Saskatchewan. They moved to where they still reside today shortly after their wedding in 1959. Throughout the next 12 years they were blessed and welcomed six children; Shelly in 1959, Barry in 1962, Larry and Larryl in 1965, Fern in 1971 and Gwen in 1972. When John was not farming he was doing other jobs such as logging and operating heavy equipment. John was involved in his community and served as an RM Counsellor for 20 years. He was always willing to give a hand to anyone who needed it and wanted nothing in return.

As their children grew older and they left home, John and Ida spent many weekend evenings at dances all over North East Saskatchewan. John was a social butterfly and enjoyed visiting with anyone anywhere and left all places with new friends. John had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes.

John was the hardest worker anyone could meet and was always busy. John loved his family and providing for them. He spent many hours in his garden growing the best potatoes, cucumbers and everything in between. He beamed with pride when his family came and left with bags and bags of the fruits of his labor. Anyone who drove into the yard had to stop for coffee and could not leave without a meal, no matter the time of day. He also had a love of fishing and could be found at Round Lake with his pickerel rig hoping to snag a “double header.” In the winter he spent time around the kitchen table enjoying a game of crib with anyone who walked in the door.  Growing older, John loved to share stories of the good old days and enjoyed talking about how life was when he was young. John never slowed down and they were always galivanting to his children’s houses to visit. John didn’t miss sporting events, birthday parties or weddings.

John was predeceased by his parents Gabriel and Pearl Onyskiw. His siblings, Kay Pesme, Mary Strome, Eva Egge, Andy Onyskiw and Bill Onyskiw. John was also predeceased by his son in law Jim Ward.

Left to mourn John’s life is his wife of 64 years Ida and their children, Shelly, Barry (Thelma), Larryl (Debbie), Larry (Cheryl), Fern (Elvis) and Gwen (Dean). Grandchildren, Ashley, Michael (Amanda), Crystal (Justin), Amanda (Derek), Megan (Tyson), Taylor (Matthew), Brittney (Tanner), Travis (Jill) and Bradley. He also leaves his legacy to many great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.