A quick peak into John Myslicki’s life makes it obvious why so many people have decided he is the most kind, thoughtful, and caring person in Alberta.
On Sunday, people began nominating Myslicki in a Facebook contest offering a free flight and five-day stay in Hawaii for two, for the most loving person in Alberta. More than 100 people have been nominated for the free vacation, being given away by Cody and Eva Borek of Stettler, Alta.
“What we are looking for is somebody who lives like Christ would want us to live. This means somebody loving, caring, forgiving, and selfless,” the couple stated, explaining the contest.
Several local people knew one person that fit the bill, nominating Myslicki for his giving ways. Former resident and past member of the St. Paul RCMP detachment, Const. Robert Hynes, has also been nominated.
Myslicki’s mom was raised in the Flat Lake area, while he was raised in Ardmore. The 69-year-old has taught in communities across Alberta, and though he has ‘retired,’ he continues to work installing satellite systems while living in Niton Junction. But it’s clear that his fulfillment in life is found in helping others through countless random acts of kindness.
“To show someone you care doesn’t cost anything,” says Myslicki. Sometimes all it takes is a smile, a gentle touch on the shoulder, or a simple compliment.
In October of 2012, tragedy struck St. Paul when a van crashed into Racette Jr. High School. The event resulted in serious injuries to two students, trauma to many others, and the death of Grade 6 student Megan Wolitski.
Following the incident, the community began to rally together, but the story touched hearts of many others, including Myslicki. When he saw Megan’s photo on the news, he said he recognized her as an angel.
The man, who many people compare to Santa Claus, donated a hockey jersey for an auction on CFCW radio. The jersey was auctioned back to Myslicki for $6,500, and then sold to the next highest bidder for $6,000, to raise $12,500 for a scholarship fund in Megan’s name. He would also go on to give two hockey jerseys to the Hats for Healing auction to raise money for the families affected by the crash. He bought back one of these donations, an autographed Oilers jersey, which he later offered to the Wolitski family as a gift.
Up until this point, the Wolitski family and Myslicki were complete strangers, but the random act of kindness on Myslicki’s part has turned into a lasting friendship.
“I have never met anyone as giving as John,” says Thomas Wolitski, Megan’s father. Wolitski says it’s common to hear about rich celebrities doing extravagant acts of kindness, but those things don’t even begin to compare to Myslicki’s life.
“This guy helps so many different people in so many different ways,” says Wolitski, adding, “He’s a big guy, but he’s so soft, and soft spoken.”
Wolitski says that since meeting Myslicki, his eyes are more open to the opportunities of helping others. He notes that he, like others, have to work at being the type of person Myslicki naturally is.
“He doesn’t even think about it. He just goes and does it.”
Area resident Colette Zahar and her family have also come to know Myslicki through their involvement with the Pink Heart Campaign in 2012. The day after the incident at Racette, Zahar’s father passed away, and it was soon after that Myslicki entered the Zahar family’s life too.
He became a huge follower and supporter of Zahar’s daughter’s musical ambitions. “He’s like a surrogate grandpa to my kids,” says Zahar.
Watching the man she calls an angel on earth in action has inspired the Zahar family to be more giving and considerate too.
“I think he’s inspired so many people,” says Zahar, adding she believes he is the best recipient for the trip for two to Hawaii. His wife of 47 years, Marg, is also a person Zahar admires, although she is quiet and tends to stay behind the scenes.
When asked about his reaction to being nominated for the Facebook contest over 100 times, Myslicki says it’s been a little overwhelming.
Although he was hesitant at first about receiving attention for his help of others, Myslicki has learned that sharing his stories actually helps encourage others to live the same way.
“I’m nothing special,” says Myslicki, adding, he simply takes advantage of opportunities as they come up. He also believes that property is only temporary and “the only thing you take to the grave is the love that you gather.”
Myslicki believes that life leads him to situations where he can help others.
“When you allow yourself to listen . . . it’s amazing how many of these (situations) will be brought to your attention,” he says.
One of his most recent good deeds took place this Christmas, when Myslicki was able to reach out to a past student. The woman has been sick and was recently in the hospital. Since she had never had big Christmas celebrations or many presents as a child, Myslicki asked what the woman had wanted for Christmas when she was younger. She answered, saying a Barbie doll, a big chocolate Santa and a nice Christmas dinner.
Not only did Myslicki deliver on those specific gifts, but he also managed to collect gifts for her whole family.
“She said it was her best Christmas ever,” says Myslicki.
So, when asked how he personally spent his Christmas, the man known as Santa to many, replied in the most humble of ways.
“I have Christmas all year round . . . I have no needs or wants. Christmas to me is a time to just relax.”
