It is with great sadness, but with much love and gratitude for a long life well lived, that we, the family, announce the passing of John Beniuk on Dec 14, 2019, at the age of 91.
John is survived by his loving wife Loveth, children Donna (Gerald), Diane (Garry), Allan (Jennifer), and grandfather to Brandon, Natalie (Jason), Heidi, Kellie (Ian), Ian (Payton), Max, and Savannah. John has lived a Christian life filled with much love, laughter, and joy. When times inevitably became difficult, it was through John’s unwavering faith in Christ that led him and his family to continue to persevere. John was born on June 7, 1928 in Vilna, Alberta. John enjoyed growing up on the family farm on Bonnie Lake with his 9 siblings. It is through these early years that he developed a love for the outdoors. His passion for fishing, hunting, and gardening would be many of the life lessons he would pass on to his children and grandchildren.
As a young man, John went off to work in the gold mines in Yellowknife for 3 years. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Loveth Bakay and together they raised two daughters and a son. John was always very proud of his Ukrainian heritage as a first generation Canadian and frequently would venture back to the birthplace of his parents, the Ukraine.
After getting married and settling down in Lac La Biche, John worked hard to make a living by holding down 3 jobs at once. John touched the hearts and lives of many families as a school bus driver to Hylo, Venice and Kikino. He was also a small engine repairman most evenings for George Homeniuk and a head mechanic at Triway Garage here in Lac La Biche. John also enjoyed working with Alberta Parks prior to his retirement.
John believed in supporting the community of Lac La Biche where he served as a town councillor throughout the later 1970’s and into the 1980’s. John was instrumental in the development of Dumasfield, and the placement of the WJ Cadzow Healthcare Centre, and the Provincial Building, among other beneficial town developments. He joined the Elks of Canada and the Lions Club, where he volunteered many hours to help those in need. John was a man of faith who retained his heritage through membership in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 2001 John began to lose his eyesight to Macular Degeneration which altered his life. He would not allow that to deter him and he continued to instill loyalty, integrity, and the importance of hard work in everyone around him.
John will be deeply missed by his surviving siblings Fred (Sophie), Orest (Diana), and Andrew, sister-in-law Adeline, brother-in-law George, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Katherine Beniuk, and siblings, Alexander, Emma (Metro), Dan (Helen), Harry (Annie), Peter, Pearl (Nick), Annie, and grandson, Owen Cloutier.
Funeral Service on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Lac La Biche, AB with Fr. Aureus Manjares officiating. Interment will follow in the Willow Park Cemetery, Lac La Biche, AB.
The Beniuk family would like to extend their appreciation to the medical staff at the WJ Cadzow Healthcare Centre for the love and compassion they shared with John.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lions Club or the Elks Club of Lac La Biche in memory of John.
