Obituary of John Mandziuk

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". MANDZIUK - Mr. John Mandziuk, beloved husband, father and grandfather, of Yorkton, SK, passed away suddenly on March 30, 2010, in the I.C.U. of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, with his loving family at his side. John was born in Winnipeg, MB on July, 6, 1923, the middle son of John and Katherine (nee Gunter) Mandziuk. He received his education at King Edward and Isaac Newton schools in Winnipeg, MB. As a youngster growing up during the depression, John biked to local golf courses to caddy on weekends to earn spending money. As a young man, he worked for a local butcher shop and delivered meat with his bicycle. The skills and work ethic he learned at that time benefited him throughout his life. In 1943, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the army and served with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada and saw action in North West Europe. John received his honourable discharge in 1945. He returned home to Winnipeg where he met his future wife Helen at his brother's wedding. After a one year courtship, Helen and John were married on June 19, 1948 in Winnipeg, MB. They lived in Winnipeg and John was employed by Hobb's Glass where he worked his way up to manager. In June 1951, John went into business with this father (a baker) and older brother Mike. They headed west and bought the City Bakery in the then small town of Yorkton, SK - quite a change from the large city they grew up in. The business grew and thrived along with his family. He successfully combined work and family. Many memorable family vacations were taken. After 30 years of hard work, the family sold the bakery to explore other ventures. John sold cars and real estate before opening up his own family business, "John's Meat Market and Confectionery" in April 1978. After 5 years he closed the store and semi-retired but continued in property management to keep busy. In his retirement he enjoyed his time with Helen, his children and especially his two grandsons. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Helen; daughter Karen Norman (Ken) of Yorkton; son John (Susan) of Yorkton and their children Daniel and Matthew; nephews: Gary (Marilyn) Mandziuk of Toronto, ON, Michael (Bev) Mandziuk of Yorkton; niece: Debbie Mandziuk-Burns of Calgary, AB, and their families; niece: Donna (Glenn) Aitchison of Winnipeg, MB; as well numerous cousins and friends. John was predeceased by his "kid brother" Billy, mother Katherine, father John, father-in-law Michael Kudrych, sister-in-law Mary Kudrych, mother-in-law Annie Kudrych, brother-in-law John Studney, sister-in-law Jenny Studney, sister-in-law Frances Mandziuk, and brother Michael (Mike). John was involved in the growth of Yorkton and his extensive community involvement included the Royal Canadian Legion, Kinsmen Club, K-40, Masonic Lodge and Parkland Shrine Club for over 50 years. A strong supporter of his adopted city and province, as well as many local and provincial events and charities. People still remember John smiling and waving as he pulled the Shriners Float with his mini model-T in the parade at the Yorkton Summer Fair. He was an avid fan of the Senior Terriers hockey club and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. John will be remembered for his big heart, big smile, generosity and kindness. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather. The funeral service took place on Monday, April 5, 2010 from St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton. Rev. Doug Craig and Rev. Milo Spooner-Craig officiated. A tribute and words of remembrance were given by nephew, Gary Mandziuk. Organist, Lauren Jemieff led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee', and 'In the Bulb there is a Flower'. Soloist, Debbie Thompson sang 'You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings'. Tributes were also given by members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton; and by members of the Yorkton Masonic Lodge #12. The interment took place in the Garden of Devotion at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Grandson Daniel Manzdiuk was the urn bearer. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, April 5th, 2010 11:00am, St. Andrew's United Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens