John Popko

1925 - 2015

JOHN POPKO passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on February 23, 2015 with his family at his side. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Beatrice, who passed away in 1990. John will be lovingly remembered by his son Bruce (Nella), daughters Ardelle Martin (Art), Cheryl Sachvie (Blair) and Karen DiMarco (Marcello) and by his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. John is survived by his stepbrother Michael Bodnar and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary, stepmother Tekla, sister Elsie Dahl (Darwin), stepsister Ann Tanchuk and stepbrother Joe Bodnar.

John was born and raised in Portage la Prairie. He was a man of many talents who enjoyed playing hockey as much as he did performing in school musicals. John joined the Air Force in 1944 and trained as a pilot and gunner. In 1947, he married his childhood sweetheart, Beatrice Stronski. Soon after, they moved to Winnipeg where they raised their four children and built their life together. He was a devoted husband and father who cherished his family dearly.

John was in the electrical business for 55 years as an electrician, project manager and estimator before retiring at age 75. He also served as President of the Electrical Contractors Association. John loved his work and was well respected in his field. Driving by many Winnipeg landmark buildings he was proud to say, “this was one of our jobs”.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 3rd at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

Our family is grateful to the nurses, doctors and support staff at Riverview Health Centre for the care and compassion John received in Unit AB2. They truly became part of our family and made us feel a part of theirs. We are also grateful for the support we received through the WRHA and at Victoria General Hospital preceding his two year stay at Riverview.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations in memory of John Popko can be made to Riverview Health Centre Foundation, Unit AB2, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 2P4 or at www.rhcf.mb.ca .