At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday August 20th, Mr. John Meko passed away peacefully in his 97th year.
Predeceased by his wife of 63 years Janisse (Crowe) Meko in 2019, and his parents Andras and Etel (Farkas) Meko. Loving father of John (Julie), Mark (Jon Ann), and Susan (the late Mike Korpan). “Grandpa” to John David Meko, Emily Meko (Russell Colebrook), and Aaron Meko; Mark Andrew Meko (Bryanne Murray), Kellen Baldock (Erica), and McKenna Kimmons (Joe); Kristen Korpan (Sean Dobbelaar), and Bryce Korpan (Kayla). Great grandfather of Boone and Suthryn Dobbelaar, Tenley Korpan, Jackson Meko, and Monroe Kimmons. Predeceased by his brother Andy and his wife Betty (Nagy) Meko, and sister Margaret and her husband Frank Horuczi. Dear uncle of Brenda Hinnegan, Gail Keys, Karan Duquette, Diane Meko, and godfather of Sally Mihalco.
Born Janos Miko in a rural village in Hungary in 1926, John immigrated with his family to Canada in 1929. A child of the Great Depression, he had to forgo secondary school to help support his family and was proud to have done so. He worked as a field hand, cab driver, and grocer, becoming the youngest Loblaws manager in Canada at age 19. He would go on to become the plant manager at Daymond Aluminum (now Dajcor), start Moczik Tool and Die Works of Canada Limited in 1956, and purchase Western Equipment Limited in 1960, operating the three companies simultaneously until leaving Daymond in 1964. After passing Western Equipment to his family in 1994, John continued to go to work there daily until he was 95 years old.
John was a long-time member of the Chatham Jaycees and served as president at least twice. As well, he served as a senator for Jaycee International. He was the last remaining founding member of Maple City Golf and Country Club.
He valued hard work and determination, and he helped give a leg-up to others who exhibited those qualities. He was keen to help immigrants, especially fellow Hungarians, avoid the sacrifices he was forced to make. He came to Canada with nothing and leaves behind a loving family and a long, full life of perseverance and prosperity. He lived the Canadian dream.
Family and friends are invited to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington West, Chatham, 519-352-2710 on Wednesday August 24th, 2022, with visiting from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Ursula Roman Catholic Church, 205 Tweedsmuir Ave. W., Chatham, on Thursday August 25th at 11 am. Interment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, and the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Meko August 20 2022..
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Chatham, Province: Ontario
John will always be remembered by myself as a very kind man. He was a very pleasant patient and a joy to see on his visits to the office. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his amazing family.