JOHN MIKE SOKIL

John Mike (Johnny) Sokil, 73, of 642 First St. W., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2006 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
John was born June 12, 1932 in Fort Frances. He loved his home town and lived all his life in Fort Frances.
On Aug. 18, 1990, John was united in marriage to the former Helena Friesen.
John was an avid railroad enthusiast, taking special interest in model trains and the collections of railway lanterns, old phonographs, and records.
John worked in the local paper mill as a yard labourer, retiring Aug. 31, 1992 after 42 years of service.
John is survived by his wife, Helena, and their eight step-children, Abe Remple of Alberta, Judy Remple of Steinbach, Man., Jeannie Doerksen and Jeanette Small (Claude Gepp) of Fort Frances, Ont., Shirley Welsh (Dean) of Arnprior, Ont., Richard Sawatsky (Mary) of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Lloyd Walker and Diane Walker (Charles Bernier), all of Arnprior, Ont.
He also is survived by step-grandchildren, James Doerksen (Aurora), Cameron and Tyler Doerksen, Billy Small (Samantha), Beverly Small, Tammy, Stacy, Tanis-Ras, Jessica and Alex Walker, Amanda and husband, David Robinson, Christine Robinson, and Timothy and Trina Walker; and step great-grandchildren, R. Jared Cupp, Nicholas Doerksen, Keelia-Ras, Jessica and Alex Walker, and McKenzie and Jade Robinson.
Johnny is survived by one brother, Dennis Sokil and wife, Janet, of Winnipeg, Man.; his mother, Victoria Sokil, of Fort Frances, Ont.; and one niece, Melissa Sokil and her three sons, Tristen, MacKenzie, and Dominick, of Winnipeg, Man.
John was predeceased by his father, Mike Sokil; first wife, Marlene (formerly Hyatt); and his only son, Gordon Sokil.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Pastor Ken Johnson of the Fort Frances Covenant Church officiating.
Interment will take place at the Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date.
Cremation has taken place in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The honourary pallbearers will be Alex Walker, James Doerksen, Tyler Doerksen, Cameron Doerksen, Timothy Robinson, and Billy Small.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, 980 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 6V4 or in care of Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.