HNATIW: John
"Farmer" John Hnatiw, age 60, pushed his way first into the world on April 26, 1954. Being the type of guy he was, we are surprised that he just didn't walk out. He was born to John and Pauline (Stecyk) Hnatiw of Bruno Saskatchewan. He was tough, ruff and gruff and fought cancer with a vengeance, until he closed his eyes, to take a time out. He passed away on July 26 2014 in Moncton, New Brunswick. John became a well respected miner, hunter, a pranking jokester, superbstory teller, true friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, wild life chef and master swearer. All in all, he was a great guy, unless you pissed him off. Due to his extensive mining career, beaver dams never stood a chance when John blasted them,from here to there to everywhere to save flooding homes. He loved life to the fullest and made friends easily everywhere he went. He touched hearts, lives and even sometimes nerves. His laugh was contagious and hearty. He loved life to the fullest, but most of all, he loved his family, and at times, even his ex wife. His children, Jonathan, William, Nicole and Kevin provided John with the greatest gift of all, 9, soon to be 10 grandchildren. Christine (Bartsch), Fred, Orest, Joseph, William and Silvi, have been blessed to have John as their big brother. His mother, Pauline, brother Kenneth, grandparents, aunts and uncles have been waiting patiently for John to come home to heaven. A celebration of life will be held in Bruno, Saskatchewan at a later date. A Facebook page called "FARMER John Hnatiw" has been set up in his honor. Please feel free to visit, comment or pay your respects. If you wish, donations can be made to: Palliative care unit.
"You don't know what you have until it's gone."
