John Chornobay

  CHORNOBAY- It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Chornobay on Oct.19, 2024, at Preeceville and District Health Centre at the age of 92. John was born on June 5, 1932, east of Endeavour, Saskatchewan, to Fred Chornobay and Annie Meier (Danyluik). He attended Bear School, a one-room schoolhouse, with his sisters Eva and Bessie, but left school after completing grade 8 to start working. For many years, John held various jobs, including cutting pulpwood in the bush, working at the nickel mine in Thompson, Manitoba, and with the DNR in the McBride Lake area. He later focused on taking care of the family homestead, where he remained devoted until his passing.

    John had a deep passion for hunting and trapping. He was especially remembered for taking his 80-year-old mother moose hunting, where she successfully shot her one and only moose. He enjoyed sharing his love for the outdoors with his family, frequently taking them hunting, fishing, or just enjoying time outside or at the lake.

    He was an avid gardener who took great pride in his harvests. John enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labour with family. He often drove to Yorkton with a truck full of fresh vegetables to generously distribute to his loved ones. John also enjoyed treasure hunting on his land and built up a large collection of arrowheads over the years. 

    Uncle John was famous for his storytelling, always entertaining everyone with his vivid accounts, often with colourful language that brought each situation to life. No matter the subject, he always had a story to tell. Some of our fondest memories are of gathering around the firepit at Baba's house, listening to him share.

    We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to his neighbour, Reg Yaremchuk, who regularly checked in on him, providing companionship and support over the years. A special thank you as well to his nephew, Greg Moskal, and great-nephew, Travis Mentanko, for their care and assistance during his later years.

    John is lovingly remembered by his nephews and niece: Calvin Moskal, Greg Moskal, Rob Moskal, Sheldon Mentanko, and Michelle Morley (Mentanko), along with numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Annie Meier (Danyluik), and father, Fred Chornobay, as well as his sisters, Eva Moskal and Betty Mentanko. He was also predeceased by his loving nephews, Duril Mentanko and Kenny Moskal.

    John’s Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Endeavour School Community Complex with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant, officiating. Interment in the Endeavour Community Cemetery followed with Rob Moskal, Calvin Moskal, Riley Moskal, Greg Moskal, Travis Mentanko, and Pat Morrison serving as casket bearers. Memorials in memory of John may be made to the Endeavour Cemetery (c/o Box 893, Preeceville, SK, S0A 3B0) as gifts of remembrance.  Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.