Obituary of JOHN ANTONIUK
With his endearing son William by his side, John Antoniuk was peacefully embraced by God, on April 10, 2021.
John Antoniuk was born on August 20, 1933 in East Saint Paul MB to parents George and Justyna Antoniuk. His childhood was spent in austerity on the farm, and later in his adolescent years his family managed to purchase and move into the Ruth Apartment building on Maryland Street in downtown Winnipeg. It was through his love of sports that led him to competitive football and basketball at St. Paul’s High School, and later years of coaching the Westend (Norquay) Rams where he displayed leadership and forged solid friendships. It was this joy of sports that followed him throughout his career as one of the top hotel owners of Winnipeg.
He began his career by apprenticing with his Uncle Peter at the Dufferin Hotel, and later partnered with family members to own and operate many of the hotels that interspersed up and down Main Street and beyond. Of all John’s businesses, his favourite and biggest joy came from operating The Nicolett Inn, a small block sized property in the culturally dense district of St. Boniface. His infectious personality coupled with his love of sports made The Nicolett Inn the best and most fun sportsman’s bar in Manitoba. Sports leaders from far and wide would approach John for sponsorships of their various teams and leagues. He was the founder of notable groups included The Northern Curling Club, The Nicolett Curling Club, The Nicolett Fastball League, The Nicolett Shuffleboard League, The Nicolett Fishing Club, The Nicolett Golf Club, as well sponsored a dog sledding team, car racing team, hockey teams as well as countless other teams throughout his half century career. It was however his Nicolett Inn Men’s Senior League Basketball Team that received national attention when they won the Canadian Champions 1979,1980 and 1982. This alone put Winnipeg on the map internationally for being a basketball force to be reckoned with. The Nicolett Inn Basketball team returned their thanks and went on to name a racehorse Johnny Nicolett in John’s honour.
John spent over 60 years in hotel business and was well respected and known by everyone in the industry, and hosted events for the Festival du Voyegeur at The Nicolett Inn, and was also an active board member of the Hotel Association during the 1970’s.
In 1962 John met and married his true love and soulmate, Alice Sianchuk, originally from Dauphin Manitoba. It was love at first sight and together they spent 54 years until she passed in 2016. Their whole marriage was filled with love, fun, friendship, and many beautiful holidays together all over the world. John was blessed with deep rooted love throughout his entire marriage.
John Antoniuk was a natural leader who not only saw himself as a people person, but he was most comfortable when lighting up a room and building the excitement with every joke that he told and every statement that he made. He loved revving up the people around him. He thrived on joy, happiness, and fun and these were the core values that made The Nicolett Inn a memorable place where everybody felt like family.
It should also be mentioned that while on the Southside Executive Golf Course John Antoniuk on the 141st yard, 7th hole, with his mightly 3 wood, scored a HOLE IN ONE which he continued to remind his son-in-law Dave Borger.
John Antoniuk was predeceased by his beloved wife Alice, father George, mother Justyna, brother Bill, and sister Anna. He is survived by his four dear children; Justina McCaffrey, Jo-Ann (David) Borger, William (Anna), Michael (Dorothy) and adored grandchildren; Palestrina, Everett, and Verona McCaffrey, Hayleigh, Alisa, and David Borger, Grace and Mary-Kate Antoniuk. Great Granddaughter (from Palestrina) Piper Addison Foster.
John’s last audible words during a semi virtual meeting with his children earlier this week were “ I love my whole family” and “I want a hamburger.”
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the staff at Holy Family Nursing Home. Especially during the challenging times during Covid, we were comforted in knowing he was cared for with respect and dignity. For all of you who looked after, feed him, entertained him, and clothed him, we thank you. You all made his days here comfortable and happy. Thank you and God Bless!
In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of John Antoniuk can be made at Holy Family Home c/o Lubov Ssmi Foundation.
Follow @nicolett_inn on Instagram or follow The Nicolett Inn on Facebook for more information about John’s upcoming (Post Covid) Celebration of Life Event held –of course- at The Nicolett Inn.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of JOHN
ANTONIUK 1933 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba