Obituary of John Kirichenko

John Kirichenko (born Walter John Kirichenko) passed away peacefully on July 2, 2020 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

John is predeceased by his parents Walter and Vivian; his sister Doreen; and his brother Bob. He is survived by his wife Rose; daughters Tammy and Sherri; grandchildren Allie (Big Zach), Zoey, and Little Zach; sisters Shirley (Wayne), Beatrice, and Sharon; beloved sister-in-law Geraldine; as well as numerous other family members, friends, and neighbours who he loved.

John was born in Wawota, Saskatchewan in 1951. He lived most of his life in Regina, but spent some time living in Calgary and Fort McMurray, Alberta. As a young man, John also spent six months in Egypt, while in service to the Canadian Armed Forces. After discharge from military service, and as a young husband and father, John worked for the City of Regina Transit Service as a bus driver – an occupation that he enjoyed tremendously because of his love of driving and his sociable nature.

Unfortunately, a terrible injury sustained on the job (1979) ended his time as not only a bus driver, but as a member of the work force.  Although he had many difficult years, and was never free of pain, John matured into a loving grandfather, father, husband, and friend, who was quick with a smile and a sense of humour that never failed to cheer those around him. He worked hard to find the positive in everything and everyone.

John liked meeting and talking to people and was happy to engage in all types of conversation, from intellectual discussions and debates to friendly chitchat about the weather or simply to inquire about how someone else’s day was going.  He also enjoyed fixing things and tinkering with anything electrical or mechanical, such as the lighting in the yard and his many remote-control vehicles. Repairs and improvements to items (both inside and outside of the house) seemed to always be “in progress”.

In 2013, John received a cancer diagnosis. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and a difficult surgery, John beat the odds and was given another seven years of life. Without the bold surgical expertise of Dr. Moustapha, and the pain management by Dr. Johnson, John and his family would not have had that additional time together. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, homecare workers, hospital staff, and others who took such wonderful care of John over the past seven years, as well as in his final days. Special thanks to the Palliative Care nurses and staff at the Pasqua Hospital.

In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit 3A or to the Regina Humane Society.