John Dykun

DYKUN, John William Born January 12, 1929 – November 1, 2021 Aged 92 years

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, John William Dykun.

     John was born January 12, 1929, to William and Christina (Husak) Dykun in the Poplar Bluff District.  He was the youngest of six children and was only six years old when his father died.  Because of this he had to assume a lot of responsibility at a very young age to help his mom.

     He attended Evadale School until grade 8, and then went off to work at many various jobs helping local farmers.

     When he was old enough to drive, he worked for Uncle Mike Stasiuk, hauling gravel. They worked on the Trans-Canada Highway, starting in the east and worked their way west. They hauled gravel until freeze up and then he went to haul logs for the winter.

     In 1956, he bought his own gravel truck and continued hauling gravel during the summer and then working as a mechanic at Campbell’s Garage in Pelly.

     Dad met the love of his life, Pauline Prystay in 1956 and they were married in 1957. They were blessed with three children.

     In 1961 they moved to Meadow Lake where he worked as a farm hand for ranch owner Fritz Clark. They stayed for three years but they were homesick so they moved back to Pelly, where once again he worked at Campbell’s Garage.

     Dad loved animals, especially horses, and in 1967 bought the farm and his horse, “Patches” along with some cattle, and started a small cattle farm. He continued to work at Campbell’s until the owner, Norman Campbell, retired and closed the garage. 

     Dad loved horses and was a member of the Trail 8 Horse Club and enjoyed many trail rides. Dad always had a team of horses and did many chores with them. He was happy to take us on many sleigh rides that we always enjoyed.

     In 1994, Mom and Dad moved into Pelly. Mom and Dad would go on rides and pick berries, mushrooms and hazelnuts for the squirrels.

     Dad was a skilled mechanic and a very hard worker with a strong work ethic. He was always very active and enjoyed tinkering, fixing, modifying and inventing a solution to repair some broken item.  He enjoyed the yard and garden and potato bugs would have a feat to survive on his plants!

     He rode his bike daily in Pelly whistling as he rode. He loved whistling and was well known for it.   Even in his last years, Mom said if he was feeling good, he could be heard whistling. His exterior was gruff and no nonsense but he was a very kind and fair man with a soft heart, and was always ready to give anyone a helping hand. He liked to be called “Johnny”.

     Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory is his loving wife of 64 years, Pauline (Prystay), his children, Janet Husak of Neepawa, Murray of Lake of the Prairies and Kerry (Dwayne) Pfeifer of Kamsack. Grandson Mark Husak and great grandchildren, Braxton and Pepper Husak, all of Neepawa. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

     He was predeceased by his parents, William and Christina (Husak) Dykun. Brother Pete (Mary) and sisters Hazel (Bill) Woytkiw, Mary (Maurice) Morrissette, Pauline (Mike) Stasiuk and Bessie (Carl) Zarowny and son-in-law Wayne Husak.

     Visitation was held November 4, 2021 at the Chapel of Wolkowski Funeral Service, Kamsack, SK. Graveside Service was held November 5, 2021 at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Pelly District, SK with Laura Dahl officiating. Memorial Donations can be made to Paws and Claws Animals Rescue, Box 1047, Yorkton, SK. To leave a note of condolence for the family, please visit wolkowski.ca

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