John Zolinsky
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Kushneryk Funeral Service
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>

Obituary for John Peter Zolinsky

John Peter  Zolinsky
ZOLINSKY, John, Age 67, devoted husband and father, passed away at Saskatoon City Hospital on March 14, 2016. He was born on March 30, 1948 and grew up in Cudworth, SK; the only child of Nettie and Lewis Zolinsky. His love of sports and the outdoors started at a young age. Though he lived in town he helped his father with the family farm. John also loved to play hockey; it was a passion of his that eventually took him to Kamloops, BC. He kept playing or coaching in various leagues well into his retirement (including minor league teams here in Cudworth) In 1975 he received the first of three university degrees; a BSc. in Physical Education, followed by a BEd. in 1977; both from the University of Saskatchewan. Eventually he went on to get his MEd. from the University of Lethbridge in 1998. He and his family were proud of all of his academic accomplishments.
In 1969 John met the love of his life, Kathleen Parenteau. They married in 1974 and shared 42 adventure filled years together. John’s teaching career moved them to many places in Saskatchewan and Alberta. They called Fort McMurray, AB home for many years. While teaching here John and Kathleen became very proud parents to their only daughter Desirea, whom John adored. His adventurous spirit led him to pursue numerous cycling trips over the years. One year he started a trip in Victoria, BC and finished at the Ontario boarder. When he wasn’t cycling he was on the golf course, or taking photographs, or building something or spending time with his family; who also loved to join him on the golf course, pose for photographs and help build things. He loved taking Kathleen and Desirea on family vacations to camp, hike, canoe and bike ride.
John retired from teaching in 2005. While living in Lethbridge, AB he found a retirement hobby and started hauling camping trailers to Canada from all over the USA. He always had tales to tell and pictures to show from many of his driving adventures. In 2007 John and Kathleen came home again to Saskatchewan. They made their home in Cudworth, SK and John kept busy subbing in Cudworth, Wakaw and St. Louis. Subbing wasn’t quite enough for the lifelong teacher so he started teaching adult education from 2009 until 2015, for Northwest Regional College, on reserves and in North Battleford at the College. When he wasn’t teaching, he visited Desirea when she was living in New Zealand (2010) and, again with Kathleen, in Australia (2013). John’s latest passion was training for half-marathons. He ran his first one at age 63 in Saskatoon with his daughter. As with most things John did, it became a family activity to enter 5km, 10km or half-marathon races. He ran five half marathons and numerous other races with Kathleen and/or Desirea by his side. John’s Cancer diagnosis in January 2014 didn’t stop him from his sports. In 2015, John and Kathleen spent the winter in Victoria and he kept up with his cycling, running and golfing. Eventually, John had to give up some of his activities to focus on his fight against Cancer. It was a hard fought battle.
Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are: his loving wife of 42 years, Kathleen and his daughter, Desirea; six brothers-in-law; Wilfred (Marilyn), Douglas (Bonnie), Edward, David (Carol), Kelly, Alex; four sisters-in-law; Denise, Gillian (David), Rose Marie (Edward), Christine (Tom); numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Lewis Zolinsky and Nettie Reaser, an infant brother, his step-father Frank Reaser, his brothers-in-law Hubert and Richard and his sisters-in-law, Verna (George), Cecile, Thelma and Paulette. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Cudworth, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Colin Roy as celebrant. The crossbearer was his godson, Jeremy Sirman, The Honour Guards were members of the Royal Canadian Legion Wakaw Branch and Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan. The Urnbearer was Tom Wunderlich. Committal of the Urn followed at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cudworth, SK. Donations in memory of John may be directed to the Hope Cancer Help Center 129 Pinehouse Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7K. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Marc Blondeau of Kushneryk Funeral Service, Wakaw, SK., 306-233-4403

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of John Peter Zolinsky, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Recently Shared Condolences

Recently Shared Stories

Recently Shared Photos