The family of John Bilokreli sadly announce his passing on May 9, 2016 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton, SK. He was 96 years of age. John Victor Bilokreli was born on March 10, 1920 on the family farm near Theodore. He was the first of nine children born to Nick John and Frances (nee Roebuck) Bilokreli. John was raised in a close, loving, happy family back when life was simple. Many family picnics were held at Kornitski's lake, followed by a visit to Grandma Roebuck's house. John and his brothers loved to play hockey, wearing uniforms sewn by their mother and played with hockey pucks fashioned from frozen horse manure. He received his education in Theodore. In 1936 John started farming and three years later began to purchase purebred Hereford cattle. In 1941 his farming was put on hold when he was called to serve in the army. He began his basic training in Regina but illness, first scarlet fever followed by rheumatic fever, prevented him from continuing and he was given a medical discharge in 1943. John returned to the farm and continued to build up his herd of cattle. In his younger years, John participated in local rodeos and throughout his life remained a rodeo fan travelling to Sturgis and Sheho to attend their rodeo days. Every year he enjoyed following the daily events of the Calgary Stampede. John and his brother, Murray farmed together for many years and following his retirement in 1985, John continued to live on the farm and help with seeding and harvest. John lived a simple life on the farm he loved so much. Not one for social activities, John truly enjoyed being with people, relaying stories about past and present events. His mind was sharp as a tack and even in his later years could remember and recite names, places and events without hesitation. John was also a kind, soft spoken man who had a special affection for children. He was never extravagant but whenever he came to visit his nieces and nephews or arrived for his regular visit to the home of Uncle Mike Roebuck, he never came empty handed. His "go to" treat was a wagon wheel. This tradition carried on with his great-nieces and nephews who were like grandchildren to him. Their memories of Uncle Johnny are of wagon wheels, bottles of pop and big bowls of jello which he made for them. John was a regular visitor at many friends, neighbours and family homes and his quick visits provide many stories and memories retold today. In his later years John enjoyed trips to Yorkton, visits to the casino and of course, driving around Theodore. Many would recognize his vehicle checking out the activities of the town. It was John's desire to live out his life on his farm and as a family we are grateful for the friends and neighbours who helped John achieve this. A special thank you to Gary and Betty Walker and Robert Stuart for their friendship and assistance in John's later years and to all of his friends and neighbours who never hesitated to check in with him and help if needed. John is survived by his brother, Jim of Yorkton; sisters-in-law, Nellie Bilokreli of Saskatoon, Dorcas Bilokreli of Yorkton and Edith Bilokreli of Yorkton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and good friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Frances Bilokreli; brothers, Edward, Murray, Walter, Mike, Rudy and sisters, Helen and Eunice. A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Theodore United Church officiated by Reverend Brad Wudrich. The organist, Arlene Fenske led the congregation and church choir in the singing of the hymns, "Softly and Tenderly", "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky" and "In The Bulb There is a Flower". The special taped music recessional was Stompin' Tom Connor, "Poor, Poor Farmer". Following a luncheon in the Theodore Rec Centre, the Cremation Committal took place in the Theodore Town Cemetery, Theodore, SK with John's brother, James Bilokreli serving as the Urn Bearer. Friends so wishing may make donations in John's name to the charity of their choice as tokens of remembrance. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
