John Stefanyshyn, son of the late Peter and Ksena (nee Baran) Stefanyshyn, passed away peacefully at Preeceville Hospital on February 8, 2017. John was born on September 21, 1932 in the Buchanan district. When he was four years old, he moved with his parents to the Hazel Dell area. He started school in Lorne Spruce School. When John was in Grade 10, he attended Sturgis High School. He left soon after arriving because he did not like staying in the dormitory, nor all of the rules the students had to follow.

     John was a natural musician from an early age. He learned how to play a variety of instruments. He started playing with his two older brothers. In a short time, he was chosen by travelling bands such as Mantana, Steve show and Smiling Johnnie. John would come home for a while and would soon be on the road again, against his parents’ wishes. John was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease while he was a young man. He spent much of his time in the hospital and took his Grade 12 by correspondence. After graduating from Grade 12, John enrolled in a Municipal Secretary’s course. He passed all of the exams and was awarded a Class A certificate.

     John worked in small towns near the U.S. border for a couple of years. He then returned to the family farm and worked casually for local municipalities. John also helped his father on the farm and played in a band with his brothers, whenever he was able to. John’s health prevented him from working all of the time. In his later years, John lived in Hazel Dell, Preeceville and Yorkton.

     John was predeceased by his parents, Ksena and Peter; his brothers, Mike, Walter and Wasyl; and his nephew, David Stefanyshyn.
     He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Stella Stefanyshyn; sisters in law, Emily Stefanyshyn of Winnipeg, Sonia Stefanyshyn of Preeceville and Victoria Stefanyshyn of Hazel Dell; and his nieces nephews relatives and friends.     

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