Sadley John Shindruk

“Slim”, as he was known to his many friends, and “Gido”, as he was known to his grandchildren, was born in Sandy Lake, Manitoba on July 5, 1936, the second eldest of John and Lena Shindruk’s four children. He attended school in Sandy Lake, and in 1960 he began farming on his own on the east shore of the lake.

On July 1, 1961 Sadley married Evelyn Szwaluk, from Shoal Lake. While Evelyn taught school in the area, Sadley farmed, operated a grader for the Sandy Lake Municipality and had a gravel business. They soon welcomed two sons, Perry in 1962, and Barry in 1968.

He was a talented carpenter and built their own family home on the lake and his parents’ home in town. Over the years they welcomed many people to their beautiful farm on the lake, hosting numerous church, 4-H and sports gatherings, school picnics and family reunions.

In 1979, the family moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia. This was followed by several years in Clearbrook, and then thirty years in Cloverdale. While Evelyn taught at various schools in Abbotsford and Langley, Sadley’s first job upon arriving in B.C. was at a copper mine in Port Hardy, where he was proud to drive a giant mining truck. He then worked at the Stag Timber lumber mill in Fort Langley, and finished his career at the maintenance department of the Langley School District.

Sadley participated in many sports. He played baseball and fastpitch with Sandy Lake teams for more than 20 years, and enjoyed curling in local bonspiels. He was an excellent swimmer, taught swimming lessons and earned several distinctions as a lifeguard. He even played street hockey with his family well into his 80’s, frequently astounding them with his goalkeeping skills.

In his later years he spent many enjoyable hours watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren as they participated in their many sports and other activities.

Sadley was also an artist. After retirement, he taught himself to play the Mountain Dulcimer, and he and Evelyn performed in local festivals and seniors’ homes as the West Coast Dulcimer Duo. He enjoyed woodworking and construction, and shared his skills helping Perry and Barry with several home projects over the years. Many lucky friends and relatives cherish the beautiful cedar chests and other creations he designed, built and presented as gifts.

Sadley and Evelyn also enjoyed travelling the world. They visited Europe, Asia and Australia on cruise ships and bus tours, and explored many parts of North America in their motorhome. For several years they enjoyed travelling and making new friends while attending the Canadian and the World Curling Championships. A highlight for both of them was a family trip to Ukraine in 2013, where they met distant relatives and saw the villages their grandparents had left in the early 1900’s.

Sadley is survived by Evelyn, his loving wife of 60 years; son Perry (Linda) and their children Averyl, Fraser and Alexa; and son Barry (Darby) and their children Mason and Carter. He is also survived by his sister Frances Yanchycki and his brother Orest Shindruk, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Lena, and his sister Leona MacMillan.

Sadley’s happiness and sense of humour were constant, even in the face of life’s difficult challenges. After Evelyn’s stroke in 2018, he inspired us all with his unwavering positive outlook and the loving care he provided.

Wherever he went, Sadley made true and lifelong friends. He always greeted others with a smile on his face and a teasing comment. His happiness was infectious and he will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

A celebration for Sadley will take place at the Cloverdale United Church 17575 58A Ave., Surrey, BC V3S 1N1 Canada at 1:00 pm. April 9, 2022. This service will be webcast on the church website.

Livestreaming information is at:

http://www.cloverdaleunitedchurch.ca/worship-online/

The links / ways of access will be the same as for the normal Sunday worship services.

Zoom access will be at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/984637594?pwd=bnRnQzVCN1lDdW5jQnNwdVluUjFqZz09

A future service will take place at Sandy Lake Manitoba this summer.