JOHN METRYCKI

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• Just learned of John's passing in the OnManitoba magazine. So sorry to hear about it, he was one of those bigger than life guys - it is sad to know that he's no longer with family and friends. John was always the guy around the coffee table at UMSU (or wherever) that had the craziest things to say, or so it seemed at the time. In retrospect I'll remember him as a young Engineering student (like the rest of us) but ahead of his time, he always seemed to know where he was going! - Posted by: Phil Stark (Classmate - U of M 1968) on: May 13, 2014

• We have been out of the country and were sorry to hear of John's passing. Our deepest condolences to his wife, daughter, and extended family. John was a friend and classmate at Univ. of Man. Over the years we have thought of him with affection and smiles. - Posted by: Paul and Elaine Vyrostko (University classmate and friend) on: Jan 22, 2014

• 12/16/13 I just this morning found out about the passing of John. My deepest condolences to you Barb and Catherine!! John was a great classmate and friend and will be deeply missed. Blaine - Posted by: Blaine Harrison (Classmate and Friend) on: Dec 16, 2013

• John was a very well respected person, an experienced professional, and a leader. As a colleague, I learned from our conversations and the examples that he set. He was a tremendous person and will be sincerely missed. My condolences to Barbara and Catherine. - Posted by: Bill Nosworthy (Colleague) on: Nov 29, 2013

• Dear Barbara, Catherine and Ewa, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I share your loss at John's passing and I am sadly getting used to the reality of it. I want to acknowledge John's well lived life, full of family love, great friendships and achievements. Some memories of our early years in Poland include "O Yes! John was in school and already a bright entrepreneur and strategic thinker. Just when TV was "born" and only a handful of people could own one on one Sunday afternoon he gave Ewa and I a "TV presentation" to demonstrate what TV was all about. John had a cardboard box lid with a radio behind it and a manual movie projector and he played some Disney cartoons, with music in the background - and VOILA we had a TV show. The cost to us was only our precious ration of chocolate!! Good to know that John went on to great achievements and a happy, loving and fulfilling life. Sincere condolences to your family. Rest in peace John. Stephanie and family, Queensland, Australia - Posted by: Stephanie Switala (Cousin) on: Nov 27, 2013

• My condolences to John's friends and family. John was a gentleman and when I remember my best years working with Parks Canada, he is a vivid part of those memories. - Posted by: Allan Meltzer (Former colleague, Parks Canada) on: Nov 25, 2013

• Dear John, I'm finally starting to come back from the horror/shock/disbelief that consumed me on Saturday morning. The random crying spells continue to be annoying. I'd love to hear your opinion on how to deal with that. Let's run the list of cliches shall we? You'll be missed, You'll never be forgotten, You were so full of life, You brought a smile to the faces of the people around you, You forever changed the lives you touched, We will carry on and honour your memory, did I miss any? You'd know which one I missed, and it would probably be the funniest one. Pretend I said the funniest one ok? We'll find it funny, even if others don't. It's odd, but I never managed to grow up around you. Even as an adult, your presence moved me to a childlike state, desperate for approval. Desperate to show you how impressive I was. Look what I can do! I can spell University (why does it have an S instead of a C?) I can do martial arts! I can play guitar let me show you, I've worked really hard at it! I can start a business, I can be successful. Is it good John? Are you impressed? Of course you are. You're impressed (or at least you'll make sure I think you are) and you'll also let me know how to be better, without making me feel like what I've done actually needs improvement. That's a skill I wish I'd paid more attention to. How to be gentle without being soft. Frankly, I assumed you'd be ok. But of course, we all know what happens when you assume right? One of the many lessons you taught that were not given the weight they deserved. I've watched lesser men go through this. I couldn't imagine you wouldn't. But it isn't about that is it? These things can happen. It's not a fight you win or lose, just a thing that is or isn't. You probably knew that. I know which cliche is best! "We will carry on in your honour". That's a good one, because we're going to. Not that we have much in the way of other options. However, that does not detract from the job at hand. There is no other way around it. Someone has to make sure the kids get to randomly be ninjas. Someone has to make sure our imaginations survive. Someone has to make sure. If I can be permitted one moment of gravitas (you deserve one John, you really do), I was recently debating Freud's essay on transience. In short, he asks, does the impermanence of life make it more or less valuable? Well thanks, because you've answered the question emphatically. It is so precious. Rest easy John. We're all adults as of now. Thank you for everything. Your life is a victory. Get it?... Good. - Posted by: Jason (Nephew) on: Nov 21, 2013

• Kind. Smiley. Gentle. Funny. Jokey. When I remember John it's with a big smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Barb and Catherine. - Posted by: Kim Ahing (former neighbour ) on: Nov 20, 2013

• Tom and I were shocked to hear the sad news of John's passing. So unexpected. John was the best kind of friend - someone you grew to trust and admire through years of working together at Parks Canada. When I visited Winnipeg, I always had time for a lunch with John and his side-kick, Stan. Oh, such wonderful memories. His quick wit and humour were invaluable when things got a little 'testy'! He was one of a kind. We share your loss. Note to Catherine: He was soooo proud of you - you are blessed to have such a wonderful father. Our thoughts are with you all - take joy in the wonderful memories - they will sustain you always. - Posted by: Tom & Muriel Heggie (Tom's 'mate' at Parks Canada) on: Nov 20, 2013

• John came to visit one time and he always had great ideas. Things to do that would be exciting. On this occasion he got his nephews Jay and Matt to blacken their faces, dress up in black outfits and go on a Ninja adventure at night. It was very important that Ninjas move through the dark without being seen. How could you not see John. Somehow they managed and how gloriously happy they were, Mission accomplished. This is how I remember John - a great man with great feelings and understanding. - Posted by: Art Hinchliffe () on: Nov 20, 2013

• Emma and I encountered John some time back at dog park, he was apparently Gabby the golden’s “human”, in short order Emma and I would become assimilated into the “morning group”, largely comprised of an assortment of dogs and their “humans”, who arrived at the park approximately ten-ish daily. We were dedicated dog owners taking our dogs to the park everyday for a workout, it was not until sometime later I discovered that Gabby was not John’s dog but belonged to a neighbour. I then realized just how special a human Gabby was fronting for. The morning group had the pleasure of John’s insight on topical issues, most of his jokes (he would sometimes touch my arm and encourage me to drop back and enjoy a particular off colour bit of humour), his razor sharp quips and his gentleness. It takes an extraordinary person to give of their time in such a seemingly trivial way, John was such a person. We are all better for having known him, and I’m certain he will not be soon forgotten. Our thoughts are with you Barb and Catherine. - Posted by: Don & Emma (Dog Park Acquaintances) on: Nov 20, 2013

• I am deeply sorry for your loss. John was a remarkable man; easy to talk to, but difficult to forget the conversation. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. - Posted by: Jacques Kahale (Colleague) on: Nov 20, 2013

• Dear Barb and Catherine, We are very sorry to hear of your loving husband, John passing away. John certainly lived a full life. It would be good to get together at the lake this summer. We are presently in Edmonton visiting our sons and grandchildren. Terry and I live at West Hawk Lake. Sister, Belle phoned us, today. Thinking of you. Jean and Terry Rudge - Posted by: Jean Rudge (Friend of Barb) on: Nov 19, 2013

• Dear Barb, Catherine and Ewa. My parents - Pat and Marie Cunningham - and I are all deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a great friend who will be deeply missed. All the gatherings in Ottawa, Toronto and Mont Tremblant are remembered with great fondness. We all had such deep respect for John. Personally I will always remember his wisdom, sense of humor, caring nature, understanding and patience. Not forgotten are the many hours John and my father spent together, discussing everything and anything, sometimes serious and sometimes laughing. Our hearts are grieving for you and all of your family. - Posted by: Janet Luloff & Pat and Marie Cunningham () on: Nov 19, 2013

• 2 summers ago while John was visiting his family in Toronto he asked me how I was doing. I told him great! He then went on and asked me how I could be great when all these awful things were happening around the world. He then went on to list said awful things and asked me how I was doing now. I replied.....terrible? He was delighted and said exactly! Now when people ask you how you are you can't tell them you are great. This was an ongoing joke every time he visited from then on in. I had to say I was terrible whenever he asked how I was. He was always warm, full of good (and really bad!!) jokes and kind. i thoroughly enjoyed his visits and company. They will be dearly missed by all of us. Lots of love from the people in Ontario who can't be there for Barb and Catherine. Xoxo - Posted by: Jessica (Niece in law) on: Nov 19, 2013

• I was immensely saddened on hearing the passing of John, a former colleague and friend. When I joined the management ranks, he provided wise insight which I recount to this day. My lasting image will be a bear of a man whose gentleness was evident from the moment you met him. By all accounts it was a life well lived. Sincere condolences. - Posted by: Susan Hum-Hartley (Former colleague at Parks Canada and PWGSC) on: Nov 19, 2013

• I really did appreciate working with John. He was truly human. Sincere condolences - Posted by: Jean-Pierre Gauthier (Colleague) on: Nov 19, 2013

• John was the most strategic thinker that I ever had the opportunity to work for. He had an incredible sense of humour at a very subtle level. Wish I could be there to celebrate his life and share the incredible stories of his life. - Posted by: Peter Mayberry (Former boss) on: Nov 19, 2013

• I'm heartbroken; I never enjoyed one's company more than the way I did with John. His was a true friendship. His thoughtfulness, integrity, his unfailing advice, management skills, will stay with me forever. We've truly lost a good man. My heart goes out to Barbara and Catherine. Rest well my friend - Posted by: Ed Klemm (Friend, co-worker, fellow skier) on: Nov 19, 2013

• I was associated with John for many years and only have fond memories of our encounters, discussions and a great sense of humour. He was well liked by his staff, peers and superiors...just a loving big man! Sincere condolences to Barbara, Catherine, the family and close friends.... - Posted by: Paul J Choquette (Former colleague at Parks and Public Works canada) on: Nov 19, 2013

• My condolences to Barbara and Catherine. John was one of the best people to work with in Parks Canada. He may have been stern but he was kind and helpful in his advice to us in his care. Rest peacefully, big guy. - Posted by: John Arabsky (Former Co-Worker of John) on: Nov 19, 2013

• To the one of the most remarkable human beings I have had the pleasure of working with, listening to his jokes and travel stories, Barbara and Catherine I cannot express how I feel about your husband/father he was a remarkable man, deepest sympathy - Posted by: Linda Greaves (Past Administrative Assistant) on: Nov 19, 2013

• Dear Barbara, Deep condolences to you and your family. I had a deep respect for John for the way he devoted his time and energy to his family. I especially appreciated his work in Parks Canada, helping the public to know Canada better. I have so many great memories of John's keen sense of humour and times we spent together. - Posted by: Ron Malis (friend, colleague at Parks Canada) on: Nov 19, 2013

• Barb and Catherine, our hearts are just broken for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Big Hugs to you both. - Posted by: Pamela & Kevin Rouire (neighbour) on: Nov 19, 2013

• Dear Barb and Catherine, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. - Posted by: Michele Despins-Trupish () on: Nov 19, 2013