It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of John Zgrych Sr., on September 15, 2021 at the age of 89. He was a kind, compassionate man and always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. He will be fondly remembered for his stories of the past, his love for the outdoors and his compassionate caregiving. He was a master designer- right to the 32nd! He was a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to his children and grandchildren.
John was born on February 17, 1932 in Hornepayne, Ontario – a twin brother to Tony. He lost his father at a young age and was raised in Port Arthur, Ontario, along with his brother by his mother, Mary. John met his love, Elizabeth Kosior in Fort William, Ontario. They married and together they raised their four children in a loving home. Many enjoyable summers were spent at the family camp at Lake Shebandowan – Dad’s “home away from home”. John worked as a senior draftsman, a diligent and hard worker at Provincial Papers. He retired early to become primary caregiver for our Mom, Elizabeth – a job he did tirelessly and with great compassion.
John was a generous man and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a great host of turkey dinners for holiday feasts with the family. He taught his grandchildren life lessons that they will cherish forever. He didn’t mind getting dirty with them – cooking, doing yard work, carpentry, fishing, boating or making pickles. There was always time for a sauna and a game of cards. He would tell them “If you didn’t make a mess, you didn’t do anything”.
John was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth; his parents, Adam and Mary; his sister, Barbara (in Poland) and his brother, Tony. He will be sadly missed by his children: Susan (Marcel), Cathy (Rick), Barb (Randy), and John (Raili) and his grandchildren: Laura, Damien, David, Allison, Anna, Justin, Adam, Emma and Josh. Also, five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews here and in Poland.
A special thank you to the friendly staff at the Walford for your great care. Dad always spoke highly of you. As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be offered at sargentandson.com
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Wednesday September 15th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Walter Zgrych Sr Wednesday September 15th 2021..
sargent and son funeral directors
Décès pour la Ville:THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario