Parcourez la nécrologie de John Ratkovsky Friday March 28th 2025 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
John Ratkovsky
June 14, 1930-March 28, 2025
John passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by family, in his 95th year.
John was born in Opasatika, Ontario (in the bush), to immigrant parents. John was always proud of his Slovak heritage. From there, they moved to Ormstown, Quebec (and moving via a lumber/dump-truck), settled in St. Catharines. John attended Connaught, Maywood, and St. Catharines Collegiate where he was introduced to the love of his life of 79 years, Helen Paskywee. Helen and John soon moved to Toronto for a post-secondary education. Helen attended the Hospital for Sick Children, Nursing School and John attended Ryerson (TMU) University for Electrical Engineering, both graduated in 1953. John then accepted a position with English Electric (G.E) in St. Catharines.
John eventually followed his passion of owning and operating a hardwood lumber sawmill on Perry Street in St. Catharines. The sawmill produced Oak timbers for Port Weller Dry Docks and the St. Lawrence Seaway, and furniture-grade lumber for foreign and domestic markets. His dedication for the business was highlighted by fun terms of employment such as: Reuben sandwiches on Saturdays, timeliness, and always answering to “Hey”! no matter what.
John eventually married Helen and lived with their four sons in St. Catharines, moving to NOTL in 1974. John was a loving husband and father. He had many nicknames: “John, Johnny, Jocko, Ratsy, Malenki, Boss, Dad, and Grandpa. To John these were endearing terms of love and affection. The word “No” was not in his vocabulary. John was multi-lingual in English, Slovak, Polish, and French.
In retirement, John and Helen travelled, gardened, and spent as much time as they could with their grandchildren. They spent many hours volunteering (Grace United /Carleton United Churches) and John was a dedicated Kiwanian (5 years with perfect attendance).
John was predeceased by his wife Helen (2018), son Tim (2023), grand-daughter Andrea (2002) and best friend Stephen Bak (2021). John is survived by his sons Ted, Tom, and Terry, his 9 Grandchildren: Chris, Ryan, Jason, Andrew, Krystle, Nathan, Lorna, Emily, and Natalie. 8 Great-grandchildren: Lakelyn, Hudson, Paxton, Lila, Charlotte, Bronson, Tanner, and James.
A private interment is planned.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Niagara Children’s Centre Donations can be made online at helpkidsshine.ca. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com
=====================================================
Copyright Notice: The text of this obituary is protected
By Copyright and intended for personal use only.
Unauthorized copying, sharing, or reproduction of
this content is strictly prohibited. Please respect the
privacy of the family and the integrity of the memorial
by refraining from duplicating or distributing this text
and/or photo without permission. Thank you for your
cooperation and understanding.
Friday March 28th 2025
Décès pour la Ville:Niagara-on-the-Lake, Province: Ontario
avis deces John Ratkovsky Friday March 28th 2025
nécrologie John Ratkovsky Friday March 28th 2025
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de John Ratkovsky Friday March 28th 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.