John Nischuk

NISCHUK, JOHN - Tom and Mary (Sidorchuk) Nischuk, immigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 1930, spending their first year by Stenen. In 1931 they moved to their farm 13 ½ miles North of Sturgis where John was born on November 28, 1931. He was their first Canadian baby as the 4 older siblings were born in Ukraine. John and his youngest brother were born in Canada.

John spent his whole life farming on the family farm and completed grades 1-8 at the Woodlight School. He spent the winter of 1963-1964 in Victoria, BC, framing houses. He was in partnership with the Auto Wrecking Company in Canora from 1969 to 1972. Farming and mechanics were his first love and he was always willing to fix machinery for neighbours and friends.

John married Sandi Beckwith in August, 1981. They met when she was teaching Church School in Yorkton. Their son Scott was born on October 4, 1983. John was very proud of Scott’s music ability, his scholastic achievements and working for the church. John’s biggest desire was realized August 22, 2022, when Scott married Joy Salavante at Camp Whitesand. He always wanted to see Scott marry before he passed away.

John enjoyed hockey, snowmobiling, sledding, baseball and helping people. He enjoyed spending time with his son biking, hiking, or going to special social nights at the church. He was a strong believer in the Bible, and spent time studying daily. He was faithful in his beliefs and church since his family first joined when he was a young child. He was a deacon in the church and was happy to do the deacon’s work and help keep the building in repair. He also taught the Junior Division Class for years.

After a visit from an uncle from Ukraine in 1996, John, Cliff and Cliff’s son, Don, went to Ukraine and met their many relatives. John enjoyed that visit immensely, coming home with many wonderful memories and pictures. He also loved the family reunions when they were held, enjoying time with his nieces and nephews.

John loved farming and had a hard time retiring. He finally retired in 2018 when he realized he needed help seeding his last crop. He was 87 years old. John and Sandi bought a house in Canora to retire to in 2019 but only spent weekends there. They would return for weekdays to the farm. Bad weather in winter would keep John in town. The cold weather this last winter prevented John from going to the farm. He was only able to go once a month which was not enough to suit him. Retiring permanently off the farm would only come when he could no longer get there. John insisted that he take care of the snow removal and cutting grass and was still driving himself around in a vehicle with a standard transmission.

John is predeceased by his parents, Tom and Mary Nischuk; his siblings, Cliff, Louis, Irene Lazaruk, Alex and Steve; his sister in-laws, Rose, Doris, Mary, Anne and Ila; his brother inlaw, Nick Lazaruk; his nieces, Grace Deer and Judy Holcomb and great niece Cindy Winsor. He is survived by his wife Sandi, son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Joy, as well as many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

John had been admitted to the Yorkton Hospital on July 27, after his legs gave out. He had weakness in his legs but had no other side effects. On Monday he had a stroke that put him in a coma, and 4 days later, he peacefully passed to his rest. He told a friend visiting Saturday afternoon that he didn’t believe he would be going home from this visit to the hospital, so God prepared him that he was going to rest until the Second Coming.

The Funeral Service was held on August 9, 2023 in the Sturgis Community Hall, Sturgis, SK. The officiants were Pastor Ted Deer and Pastor Roy Jamieson from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The piano was played by May Joy Jucaban with special songs led by Kathleen Young, Clint Leonor and Maycee Jucaban. The eulogy was delivered by Tim Deer. The interment followed in the Sturgis Community Cemetery with Tim Deer, Levi Deer, Charlie Deer, Dustin Deer, Kelly Jensen and Jeremy Ashworth serving as casketbearers. Memorial Donations may be made to Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) or Canora SDA Christian School as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be shared at preecevillefuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.