Obituary of John Prodanuk

John Prodanuk passed away peacefully on August 4, 2020 in Regina, SK. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children Kelly (Maxine), Melanie (Kelly) Morstad, Darryl (Diane), Lara (Peter_ Shortall; his grandchildren Michael and Alexandra Prodanuk, Luke and Nolan Morstad, Steven (Erin) and Samantha Prodanuk, Jonah and Cole Shortall; great-grandchildren Easton, Nash and Brooks Prodanuk; brothers Tom and Rodger (Faithe).

 

John was born in Rhein, SK in 1929 to Mike and Mary Prodanuk, prairie homesteaders who immigrated from Ukraine. The family farm was located near Kamsack, SK and Mike also owned a cottage at nearby Madge Lake.

 

John graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1952. John and Diane met when they both worked at John Deere in Swift Current.  Following a transfer to Regina, they got married in 1956. With three children (Kelly, Melanie and Darryl), they moved to Yorkton where John worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Not long after Lara was born, the family moved back to Regina, and lived in the same family home for 45 years.

 

John led a healthy and active life running, cycling and especially cross-country skiing. An active member of the Regina Ski Club, he earned a lifetime award for completing every Duck Mountain 30km “Loppet” (over 40 years). Post-ski dinners with long time ski friends were filled with laughter and sharing stories.

 

John’s generous spirit, straightforward point of view and strong family values were the foundation for raising a happy and loving family. Family dinners, vacations and gatherings were always filled with love, laughter and a deep bond that has persisted over years and miles of separation from one another. The cottage at Madge Lake became the family’s annual summer refuge and holds many joyful memories.

 

John had a great appreciation for the simple things in life: being surrounded by his family, spending time at the lake, drinking in the views of nature on drives across the prairie or at viewpoints during bike rides and ski excursions. He also appreciated the good things in life: a glass of single-malt scotch, delicious food, and occasional travel to international destinations.

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Grace Hospice for their loving care of John.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice/William Booth Special Care Home in John’s memory

 

The family gathered together for a service to honor John on August 7.