John Richard Lojek. April 26, 1954 - North Battleford, SK - March 17, 2015 - Calgary, AB. John Lojek passed away peacefully on March 17, 2015 after courageously living with cancer. Left to cherish his loving memory is his beloved wife Mary of 38 years, his children Kirsten, Stefan, Matthew and soon to be born grandson. Also left to mourn are his mother Aleksandra, Sister Christina (Clifford) Neilson, many brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his father, Stefan, infant son John Richard and son Thomas Patrick. John was born and raised in North Battleford, Sask to immigrant parents who strongly encouraged the importance of education. John was determined to succeed and studied hard at St. Thomas College achieving high marks, winning oratory contests and best actor awards. His vivacious personality and educational accomplishments led him to pursue commerce and law degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. He articled at Balfour Moss in Regina, Sask from 1978-1979. John, Mary and their growing family returned to North Battleford in 1979 where he opened a thriving law practice and excelled as a lawyer. In 1996, he and Mary relocated to Calgary, Alta where John specialized in aboriginal law. John was a man of action, a risk taker, a quick thinker, a man who took advantage of every moment of every day. He loved a project and would confidently take on any challenge. One of John's greatest passions was spending time at the family cottage on Jackfish Lake, Sask. He liked to show off on his catamaran hobby cat sail boat and took great pleasure taking people on wild adrenaline charged rides. There would always be a good lake story to tell for years to come. John was a compassionate and generous man who would anonymously carry out acts of kindness to those in need. John's deep and abiding faith in God became especially important to him and gave him great comfort during his life with cancer. He was an inspiration to all of those who met him. The family wishes to express sincere thanks for all those who cared for John while he was ill, especially Dr. Ron Young and Dr. Desiree Hao. Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, Alta) on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. James' Catholic Church (5504 - 20th Street S.W.) on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations in John's name may be made directly to the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre at 303 Forge Road S.E.  Calgary, Alta T2H OS9. Telephone 403-253-5250 or  http://aarc.ab.ca/donors/make-a-donation. In living memory of John Lojek, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone:  1-800-661-1519.
