JOHN SAWKA

1952 - 2009

It is with great sadness that the family of John Sawka share in the heartbreaking loss of their Dad on Thursday, September 24, 2009 in Mayerthorpe, Alberta at the age of 57 years.
John was born to William and Mary Sawka on June 26, 1952 in High Prairie, Alberta. It was in that area that he attended school and worked on the family farm. At the age of fourteen John entered the oilpatch and hasn’t looked back since. His true passion in life, he quickly worked his way up to consultant and continued consulting until the time of his passing. He set many drilling records and received many awards along the way due to his hard working ethics and dedication. On December 17, 1976 he married Kathy Janzen and they raised their family in Vauxhall. John was extremely devoted to his family, always there when called upon, and constantly putting their needs before his own. Sadly Kathy died in 2001, taking a huge part of John with her. The loss was too great for him and he was never the same. He tried hard to hide his pain and did his best to move on. He later married Terry Robinson on September 11, 2002 in Mayerthorpe and remained with her until the time of his passing, living together on a hobby farm where he thrived in the outdoors taking care of their many animals and working in the yard. He loved the outdoors and in his spare time he would often go quadding, boating, snowmobiling or camping. We will never
forget his big heart and warm smile. He was friendly and extremely generous. His big loving hugs will be missed by those who had the pleasure of getting a big squeeze out of him. His family was everything to him and he adored his grandchildren. We love him dearly and will miss him everyday for the rest of our lives.
John leaves behind his wife Terry Sawka; children Myrna (Chris) Sawka of Grande Prairie, Rhonda (Todd) Gould of Vauxhall, Amanda Sawka of Calgary and Brad (Kelly) Sawka of Vauxhall; grandchildren Wesley, Taylor, Riley, Reid and Sadie. His brother Harry Sawka; sisters Katie Ayling, Anne Hallman, Olga (Albert) LeClerc, Rose (Pat) Fay, Helen (Jerry) Belanger, Nancy (Allan) Wheatley, Vicky (Mike) Sawka and his mother Mary Sawka along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and in laws.
John was predeceased by his wife Kathy Sawka; father William Sawka; brother George Sawka; brothers-in-law Alan Ayling and Ron Hallman; sister-in-law Joan Sawka.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, September 28, 2009 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Elroy Senneker officiating. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.