JOHN PAUL BARANOWSKI

It is with great sadness that the family of John Baranowski announces his passing on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont. after losing a courageous battle against cancer.
He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
John was born June 15, 1933 in Emo, Ont. to Michael and Paulina Baranowski. He spent his childhood in Emo until he started working as a young man of 14, guiding at Arrowhead Camp for Tuss Langley and Bob Boreen.
John and his brother, Mike, played minor hockey in Saskatchewan for the Chicago Blackhawks’ farm team for a couple of years.
He was united in marriage to Amy Chandler on July 19, 1957 in Rainy River, Ont. They moved to Nestor Falls, Ont., settling down to raise a family.
He guided during the summer, and spent many winters working on the skating and curling rinks. He left guiding to work for Ontario Hydro in 1970, working there until his retirement in 1994.
John loved being outdoors, playing hockey, curling, and fishing, as well as running the junior curling league for many winters. In his later years, he faithfully followed his beloved hockey and curling, and getting out on the lake when he was able to.
He also loved animals, especially his “grandkitties,” Comet and Casper.
He leaves behind Amy, his loving wife of 53 years; their children, Wendy (Terry) Jerdee of International Falls, Mn., Donna Baranowski (Brian Bafaro) of Calgary, Alta., and John Baranowski (Michelle van Hamburg) of Fort Frances, Ont; and grandson, Dylan Baranowski.
Also surviving are his brothers, Bill, Mike (Irene), and Dan (Iris); sister, Julie (Howard) Burns; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be sadly missed by all.
John was predeceased by his parents; grandson, Justin; and sisters, Stella Ball, Irene Dick, Anne Cutts, and Pauline, Mary, Nettie, and Olga Baranowski.
A visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 from 7-8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Nestor Falls United Church in Nestor Falls, with Rev. Carl Emke officiating.
Cremation will take place following the service, with a private family interment at a later date.
The pallbearers will be Dylan Baranowski, John Baranowski, Bill Baranowski, Terry Jerdee, Brian Bafaro, and Jeff Burns.
The honourary pallbearers will be Mike and Irene Baranowski, Howard and Julie Burns, Jennifer Myllymaa, Dan and Iris Baranowski, Chuck and Dorothy Gates, and Clyde and Decie Mason.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation or the Nestor Falls United Church c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com