John’s Obituary
John Zbitniff, beloved husband of Joyce Zbitniff, passed away in Canora, SK, on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at the age of 70 years.
Johnnie was born to John and Tina (Popoff) Zbitniff on September 16, 1949 at Yorkton, SK. He was the third of five children. Raised on the family farm, Johnnie helped with chores and worked the land while attending school at Devil’s Lake. He also helped his Dad “show bulls” at different exhibitions. Johnnie was very involved in 4H as well.
He continued working on the family farm throughout his teenage years and into his twenties. As fate would have it, Johnnie attended a friend’s wedding as the best man. This is where he met Joyce, who was also in the wedding party as a bridesmaid. It was love at first sight!
Johnnie and Joyce were married on November 1, 1975 in Fort Qu’Appelle and began their life together in the Zbitniff farm. They were blessed with three children, Jason, John Jr. and Charlene.
The highlight of Johnnie’s days was attributed to his six beautiful grandchildren. Many times, Johnnie was found outside playing ball with them, pushing them on tire swings, pulling them on sleds and driving around the section on quad. They kept him very busy.
In the last few years of Johnnie’s life, he had started to slow down on the farm as his son, John Jr., took over the farm operations. Johnnie continued to help out wherever he was needed, whether it be swathing crops, hauling water for spraying, hauling grain, moving vehicles around the farmland, or even cooking and helping make meals for the men.
In the slow times of the farm, Johnnie and Joyce (or as everyone knows he referred to Joyce as “Mom”), enjoyed their monthly trips to Manitou Springs at Watrous or Temple Gardens at Moose Jaw to soak in the spas.
Remembered for the legacy he leaves behind instilled in his children and grandchildren, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Johnnie was predeceased by his parents, John and Tina; sister, Irene; and brother, Freddie.
Left to cherish his memory, Johnnie is survived by his wife, Joyce; children: Jason (Elaine), John Jr. (Amanda), and Charlene (Kirk); his treasured grandchildren: Katie, Niam, Cassidy, Jordan, Neyla, and Victoria; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
In Johnnie’s honour, a Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Johnnie Zbitniff.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Zbitniff Sr 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Canora, Province: Saskatchewan