John Bodnarchuk, 78, of Rainy River, Ont., passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River with family at his side.
John was born Feb. 28, 1930 in Sundown, Man. to the late Karl and Annie Bodnarchuk.
In his younger years, John began driving truck and continued for 44 years until his retirement. In his later years, John will be best remembered driving his small red tractor plowing gardens and pushing snow.
One of his favourite pastimes was playing his violin at various functions in Rainy River District.
In 2000, John and Jessie moved to Rainy River, where they were able to do what they loved. Together, they spent hours fishing in their shack in the winter and by boat all summer.
John was united in marriage to Jessie (Fults), who survives along with their four children, John (Cheryl) Bodnarchuk of Fort Frances, Ont., Tony Bodnarchuk of Red Deer, Alta., Bernadette Bodnarchuk of Calgary, Alta., and Jerry Bodnarchuk of Penticton, B.C.
Guido will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Kevin Bodnarchuk of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Michael (Sonja) Bodnarchuk of Fort Frances, Ont., Jennifer (Rus) Burns of Simcoe, Ont., Madeline and Nickolus Beaton of Calgary, Alta., and Karly Jo Bodnarchuk of Ponoka, Alta; and great-grandchildren, Thomas and Jack Burns, and Braden and Emma Bodnarchuk.
John also leaves behind brothers, Bill (Dell) Bodnarchuk of Thompson, Man., and Stan (Judy) Bodnarchuk and Michael (Allison) Bodnarchuk, all of Surrey, B.C.; sisters, Mae (Guy) DeGagne of Selkirk, Man., Helen (Bill) Russell of Bradenton, Fla., and Sadie Wright of Sparwood, B.C.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Karl and Annie Bodnarchuk; and sister, Nellie Naturkach.
Cremation has taken place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
At John’s request, a private family interment will be held at a later date.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary or the Heart and Stroke Foundation c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
