John Basaraba

It is with great sadness that the family of John Basaraba, 82, of Fort Frances, Ont., announce his passing Monday, July 22, 2002 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
John was born Sept. 23, 1919 in Shell River, Man. to John and Kathryn Basaraba. He moved to Fort Frances as a young boy with his family. He served overseas in World War II and after the war he returned to Fort Frances.
He owned and operated Star Taxi for many years and then worked as a bus driver for Clarence Wright at the Town of Fort Frances. Following that, he worked as school bus driver for the Board of Education and enjoyed working in the garage with Nick Rogoza.
John was united in marriage to Sophie Melnychuk on Feb. 3, 1951.
He loved to spend time in the outdoors, going fishing, hunting, and berry picking. He loved to take the kids out with him and show them everything that the outdoors had to offer. He also loved to play cribbage.
John loved to drive and could be seen cruising around town in his red truck. When his health no longer would allow him to go driving, his boys would take him. They would like to extend a special thank you to Missy and Durham Norman for use of their van for those drives.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Kathryn Basaraba; his wife, Sophie, on June 4, 2002; and sisters, Polly Korman, Mary Urbanski, Annie Welechenko, Jessie Turwich, Rose Beck, and Effie Tryhuk.
John leaves behind his daughter, Kathy and husband, Greg Downing; sons, Ken and wife, Karen, Kim and wife, Carla, and Carey and wife, Tammie; grandsons, Troy, Shannon, Kevin, and Scott Basaraba, and Johnathan Downing; brother, Pete Basaraba and wife, Polly; sister, Helen Kitzul; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home, with Rev. Marietta Marshall officiating. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery beside his wife.
Honourary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Troy, Shannon, Kevin, and Scott Basaraba, and Johnathan Downing.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to La Verendrye Hospital Continuing Care Unit, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.