John Bodnar beloved husband of Sylvia Bodnar of Yorkton, formerly of the Insinger district passed away on January 9, 2016 at the Regina General Hospital. John was born in the Theodore area in 1933 to Henry and Irene (Sawiuk) Bodnar. John was the second eldest of six children. John attended Lysenko and Aysqarth Schools and at an early age began working with the threshing machines, harvesting crops in the area. At the age of 15, he began working for the CP Railway travelling across Western Canada. He then went to work with Floyd Barber Construction based out of Regina. On June 12, 1958, John married his soul mate Sylvia Serniak. That same year the couple bought land north east of Insinger, along the Whitesand River. Together they farmed for the next 48 years. John was a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Sheho and Yorkton. He enjoyed going to auction sales and checking the crops with his 鈥淗onda Tri Moto鈥�! John was very proud of his family, Corinne and son-in-law Richard & Sheila and son-in-law Ed. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He attended Chantel & Derek鈥檚 wedding where he proudly danced with his granddaughter 鈥� a moment of pure joy. Danielle, Gidi鈥檚 little blondie and her little girl Octavia gave Gidi great pleasure and peace even with all his pain. Turner shared his passion of dance and sense of humour. Both could have a great visit just sitting side by side talking about life and Jasmine who he silently watched over capturing his heart with her shy smile and big brown eyes. John is survived by his wife Sylvia of 57 years and daughters; Corinne and husband Richard Norman of Humbolt; Sheila and her husband Ed Ferrier of Lintlaw. Grandchildren; Chantel and husband Derek McDougall of Saskatoon, Danielle Norman and daughter Octavia Coleman of Vancouver, Turner Norman of Toronto and Jasmine Ferrier of Lintlaw. Sister Mary (Art) Siez, sister-in-law, Valerie Bodnar and many nephews, nieces and cousins. John was predeceased by his infant daughter Vivian Marie, father, Harry, mother, Irene, twin brothers Matt and Alex, sister Katie and brother Peter. Prayer Services were held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Funeral Services were held on Friday, January 15, 2016 from the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The cantor was Yvonne Panchuk assisted by members of the parish choir. The cross bearer was Turner Norman. Ivan Cheropita and Bill Bodnarek served as the banner bearers. Interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Richard Norman, Ed Ferrier, Derek McDougall, Allen Downes, Jack Prychak and Jason Bodnar serving as the casket bearers. A memorial dinner followed at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium. Tributes and words of appreciation were given by Chantel, Derek, Danielle, Ed and Sylvia. Memorials in memory of John may be made to the Health Foundation for the new CT Scanner Fund as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.
