John Piasecki

February 8, 1923 – May 4, 2012

Peacefully, after a very short and grave illness, John passed from this world to the next. We are comforted in the knowledge that he will once again be with Margaret (Hample) the love and wife of his life who predeceased him in 2007, after 58 years together.

John is survived by his children Mia Kinal, Della Wheadon, Jon Piasecki (Linda Cain); grandchildren Maura Penn (Doug), Maxx and Griffin Sokal, Alannah and Nathaniel Piasecki; great grandchildren Thaea and Thomas Penn. He will also be remembered by his nephews and nieces: Ross Stephen (Kathy), Rod Stephen, Stacey Stephen, Tiana Korchak, Terry Korchak (Jackie); and by sister-in law May Hample and niece Siusan.

Born in Berezniaki, Poland, John immigrated to Canada in 1933 with his parents Alexander and Magdelena, and his younger brother Tadeus (Ted). The family settled in Winnipeg’s North End where twin sisters, Josie and Stella were born. John was predeceased by his parents and all siblings. Also passing before him were his Father and Mother – in laws Charlie and Olive Hample, brothers’ in-law Bud Hample and Bud Korchak, sister-in-law Helen Garrick, and son-in-law Emerson Kinal.

Growing up in Winnipeg’s North End, John attended Aberdeen and St. John’s High School. For a time in his early to mid-twenties, John resided in Vancouver, BC. Charming, confident and possessed with a silver tongue, John made his career in the areas of marketing and sales with such companies as the manufacturing firm of Kipp-Kelly, and then in real estate with Crown Realty, Metropolitan Homes, Quality Construction (Qualico), Rancho Realty, Bestland Homes and Fort Garry Trust. It is said that John coined the phrase for Qualico, “We build homes, not houses.” His children owe their geographical way finding knowledge of Winnipeg to Saturday and Sunday drives to visit new show homes.

In the early 1980’s, John and Margaret moved to Edmonton and enjoyed a number of years together as empty nesters, prior to their return to Winnipeg in 1989 where they embraced semi and full retirement.

John’s interests were many and varied. A voracious reader, one of his life’s goals was to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. He had a love for the arts, classical music, ballet, theatre, painting; and was a big fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Cremation has taken place. John’s family invites friends, old and new to share in a celebration of life and memory to be held in Winnipeg Thursday, May 17, 2012 Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillvray Boulevard. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception and a private family interment. .

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to those who cared for John these last five years at the Charleswood Care Centre, to his twice weekly visitor Christopher Robin from Bayshore Home Health and to those at the Grace General Hospital, particularly Val, Tracy and Nadine on 5 West. In lieu of flowers and cards, we ask that you consider a donation to The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Alumni Association Scholarship Fund or to the Foundations of the Victoria or Grace General Hospitals.