Obituary of JOHN YAWORSKI

JOHN YAWORSKI John passed away suddenly on January 10, 2015 at the age of 83 years old. Left to cherish his memory are his brother David and sister Rose, his children Veronica Gueck (Lance), Andrew, and Roger (Cordelia), and his grandchildren Linden, Logan and Jillian. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his parents Kazimer and Pearl, his wife Caroline, his brothers Walter, Steve, Edward, Kazimer and sister Mary. John's greatest joy was his family--immediate, extended, or honorary (a distinction earned by many). The setting didn't matter: sharing a cup of coffee with surprise guests at the breakfast table, chatting with total strangers in a waiting room, or hosting a large barbecue for dozens of family and friends in the back yard. No matter where he was, when John held court there was always love and laughter abounding. John was known across the Prairies as the original drummer for the Interlake Polka Kings. He left the band after several years, but his love for Ukrainian music never faded. As his children grew, he made certain to take the family on a special adventure every year in their motorhome. In his later years, he cherished his time with his grandchildren. He always enjoyed himself in the kitchen, especially when making large batches of perogies or his famous mushroom gravy--a recipe coveted by many, but never disclosed. John was thoughtful, steadfast, and honest to a fault. He firmly believed that with hard work and determination you could achieve anything. He was an entrepreneur who never gave up on his own dreams, and encouraged his friends and family to do likewise. He took pride in teaching his children how to do things for themselves, but was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to friends or family. He was never short of opinions, sharing his considerable wisdom freely and frankly, but in return he would always listen to a well-reasoned counterpoint and was never afraid to admit when he was wrong. John's love for life was infectious; he always had a warm smile for everyone, and loved to make people laugh. Countless visitors to the Yaworski residence would return home only to find a potato in their purse, luggage or coat pocket--a playful "parting gift" symbolic of John's unique sense of humour. To John, life was a gift--one that his generous soul always drove him to share. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB. So with this in mind, in lieu of flowers, please give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in remembrance of John Yaworski.