John Mykytyn passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Nov. 30, 2021, at the age of 87. Dad was born Jan. 20, 1934, in Vita, Manitoba, to Josepha and Dymtro Mykytyn. As a young child, Dad moved to Rainy River where he resided until his passing.
Dad was a hard worker all his life. He provided for his family by logging in his youth and later worked 38 years for the CNR. “Honest John” retired in 1990. Dad enjoyed working on the railroad, but his true passion was farming. We often teased Dad about his love for “John Deere green,” which he indulged with the purchase of a new John Deere cab tractor in 1990, his prized possession.
Even though Dad was a man of few words, everyone who was acquainted with him, knew he loved company. Greeting friends and family with his legendary handshake and a bottomless shot glass. Hijinks and shenanigans often followed.

Dad is survived by the love of his life, Gisela Helga Kaus. They were able to recently celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Nov. 2, 2021. Throughout their married life, Mom and Dad were devoted to each other, two peas in a pod, setting an example of love and respect to us all.
Together they had five children; Jo-Ann (Philip) Berard, Sandra (Grant) Yeo, Michael (Brigitte) Mykytyn, Morris (Amanda) Mykytyn; daughter Carol Barclay predeceased Dad on Sept. 2, 2001.
Dad dearly loved his grandchildren; Sam Yeo (Michelle Sawdo), Dusty(Simon)Ritchie, Blake Mykytyn(Lesley Regehr), Julie Berard, Kyle, Logan Mykytyn, Janine(Chris)Hedrick, Drew, Trevor Barclay; grandson Travis Mykytyn predeceased Dad on Mar. 27, 2010.
He was especially proud of his great-grandchildren Alex and Aaron Yeo and Colby and Emily Mykytyn.
Dad was predeceased by family Peter (Hilda) Mykytyn and Elizabeth (Tom) Weston, Emmett Thompson, Lawrence Lenchyshen, Fritz (Elsa) Latell, Dieter Kaus and Michael Shmyr. He is survived by Elsie Thompson, Sonya Lenchyshen, Hilda Shmyr, Werner (Diane) Kaus, Gary (Janice) Kaus and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad’s life changed immensely after his stroke in 2016. Instead of driving a John Deere he drove a wheelchair. Dad ate with gusto, enjoyed the occasional brew and thrived when family and friends visited.
Dad was always there for help and guidance. We will miss you greatly and remember you always. Rest well.
A private family service will be held at the Northridge Funeral Home on Dec. 11, 2021. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.