John Thomas Nakonechny
John Thomas Nakonechny passed away on July 1, 2023 at the Biggar and District Long Term Care Facility at the age of 92 years. John was born on November 21, 1930 to Konrad and Anastasia Nakonechny in Dodsland SK.
On November 8, 1952 John married Doryne Margaret Kilback. They farmed and resided on the former Claude Robinson farm southwest of Ruthilda until after Doryne’s passing when John moved to Biggar in 2017.
John is survived by two sons: Darryl Nakonechny (Elaine) and their daughter Kira Martindale (Pat and their daughters Reese and Sydney) of Lethbridge, AB and son Kevin Nakonechny (Kendal and their son Brighton) of Calgary, AB; and Murray Nakonechny and his son Jason Nakonechny (Lea and their son Brady) of Dodsland and his daughter Jennifer Nakonechny of Saskatoon, SK.
He is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Vi Kilback of Nanaimo, BC and Helen Kilback of Burnaby, BC, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
John was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Doryne, an infant son, daughter-in-law Myrna Nakonechny, his parents, Konrad and Anastasia, brother Peter, sister Mary, parent-in-laws Valentine and Margaret Kilback, brothers-in-law Ken Jewell, Norman, Harold, Jim, Don, Morgan, Walter and Gordon Kilback, sisters-in-law Joyce Nakonechny, Eileen, Laura and Joyce Kilback and half sister-in-law Annie Stratillo.
John grew up on a farm south of Plenty until 1943 when he moved with his family to the Myles McMillan farm six miles southwest of Ruthilda. He attended school at Garvagh, Glengarry Plains and Ruthilda.
John actively participated in baseball, hockey and curling. He was an exceptional pitcher and played on teams from Ruthilda and Plenty. He also enjoyed watching sports, in particular his teams the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays.
His love of gardening resulted in more produce than they could use and was happy to share the extra with others. In addition he had a beautiful yard with many flower beds and containers which kept him busy with watering during the sometimes hot and dry summer months.
He loved to fish and hunt and made numerous fishing trips to northern Saskatchewan. Hunting waterfowl resulted in lifelong friendships with hunters from Minnesota.
John enjoyed being active in the community and served on the advisory committee of the local Saskatchewan Wheat Pool at Downe siding. In addition, he always helped out at the yearly Ruthilda sports day.
John will be remembered as a welcoming and caring person, who enjoyed visits with family and friends. Details for the celebration of John’s life will be announced at a later date. Tributes for John may be directed to The Canadian Cancer Society or The Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.