John Sliziak

The family of John Sliziak are sad to announce his passing on December 1, 2022 after a lengthy illness. John leaves behind his devoted wife of 66 years, Irene, and his sons Jim (Carol), Tom, Chuck (Ria), George, and Bernie (Jo-Ann). He was a proud grandfather to Sonja (Jesse), Trevor and Ashley. He is survived by his siblings Alec, Ed and Pauline; he was predeceased by his siblings Nellie, Peter, Mike, Paul and Harold.

The family would like to thank Kopernik Lodge, Dr. Thomson, Van Coastal Health, the Cancer Clinic at VGH and the many individual caregivers for their care and attention to John in this past year. He will be greatly missed by his immediate family, large extended family and many friends.

John was born on a farm in Saskatchewan to parents Lena and Wasyl (Bill) Sliziak. He had a large family with 8 siblings. Oldest to youngest: Nellie, Peter, Mike, Alex, John, Paul, Edward, Pauline and Harold.

He did chores on the farm and attended Turnout School. At the age of 18 he went to Ontario with his brother Alex and worked in the shipyards for 9 months. In search of better wages, they travelled to BC. He made concrete slabs for about 13 years then was laid off and started work as a Rebar Bender at Dominion Bridge. John worked there for 11 years until the company closed; he was 42 years of age. He continued as a Rebar Bender working for two other companies. During this time, he bent the rebar for much of the Skytrain (Expo) line guide rail. He retired from the industry at the age of 59.

When John first moved to Vancouver, he met Irene at a downtown dance hall near Burrard and Pender in November of 1954. John took a shine to Irene, and after an evening of dancing, abandoned the two escorts he arrived with, and drove Irene and her sister Elsie to their Aunt Kays home, in his blue 1948 Desoto. John and Irene dated from 1954 to 1956 and said their wedding vows on June 30, 1956. John became the proud father of 5 healthy boys. They bought their home in East Vancouver where they welcomed many family and friends with warmth and kindness.

John was an active member of the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. He worked at the church for a few years, repairing and maintaining church facilities, and retired from this job in 2001, at the age of 68. He also volunteered, with Irene, at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Centre for many years, providing catering services for weddings (and other functions), and volunteering at every Bingo night.

John was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends, family and the community. He was a dependable, kind and humorous man. He fought a year-long battle with cancer and was stoic right to the end. May he rest in peace.