JOHN PHILIP SKITCKO

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JOHN PHILIP SKITCKO Peacefully, on January 5, 2019, at the age of 94, John Philip Skitcko answered the call and went home to be with his Lord and Saviour. His son Nathan met him at the Gates with his arms open wide for a big hug with his daddy! John was also predeceased by his parents, Philip and Mary, his five brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, (Jack, Ken, Ralph, Lois, Mary, Bill, Nelson and Bernice) and his two nephews and one niece (Lawrence, Michael and Susie). Left to mourn him are his wife, Bonnie of 51 years, and daughters, Shauna (Rino) and Leanne, grandchildren, Dylan, Kyla and Tyler, and grand dogs, Bailey, Mason and Giovanni. As well, his beloved brothers, Mike (Fran), Joe (Del) and dear sisters, Mary, Anne and Rose (Steve), sister-in-law Barbara (Bill) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. John was born in Goodeve, Saskatchewan in 1924 and was the firstborn of six siblings. He grew up on the family farm helping with the animals and the crops. He loved to play sports growing up, especially baseball. John didn't start school until age 10 because there were no schools close enough for him to attend. However once he began, he was a quick learner and breezed through school when he finished at age 18 at St. Josephs College in Yorkton, SK. Without the knowledge of his parents, John traveled off to join the Canadian Air Force in the spring of 1942. He had just turned 18 years. He became a navigator for the flight missions to Germany and other places until his discharge in 1945. He attended Queens University where he studied Accounting and Kingston University where he studied Meteorology and Radio Communications. John always the adventurer traveled to the far North, including places such as Snag, Yukon and Resolute Bay as a "Weatherman" during the 1950's and 60's. He returned to Regina in the mid 1960's to join the Department of Transport. He worked there a number of years before meeting Bonnie his future wife. They met one day after lunch on her first day of work where he likes to say he "rescued her" by opening her locked office door. Soon after they met dad accepted a transfer to Winnipeg where he would become manager in the weather division at the Winnipeg airport so John and Bonnie were quickly engaged, married and together moved to Winnipeg to start their new life! John retired in 1984 and spent his retirement years raising his family who he loved so very dearly. Dad was best known for his fun and quirky sense of humor and his 'Mr. Fix It' attitude using duct tape and a slight modification here and there. He took his family on a memorable trip to Hawaii in 1987 and to Phoenix in 1995. He spent many summers at Lakeside Trailer Park in Winnipeg Beach. He also took an active role in volunteering at New Day Ministries. John's faith was very important to him. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour in 1972 and grew in his faith at Washington Christian Centre, Fort Garry Cell Church, Rivercity and Oasis Community Church. In later years, he never missed a day of listening to the Daily Audio Bible. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Sturgeon Creek 2 especially Nancy and Claire, Dr. Kotecha of Assiniboine Clinic, Dr. Mathen at Misericordia Health Centre, Gwendy McFee at Connect Hearing, Mike from RANA, Veteran's Affairs especially Adam at the Winnipeg Office and Grace Hospital for all their care and support over the past few years. A celebration of John's life will be held on Monday January 14 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m. and service at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John's name to CNIB, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Manitoba Lung Association. "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2019