Obituary of Johnny Elyk

It is with great sadness that announce the death of our father, Johnny Elyk on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Dad was born in Vita, MB., to Metro & Dora (Gushulak) Elyk. He lived in Sirko until the age of five, when his family relocated to Fort Frances, ON., where he and his cousin Nick were known for getting into much mischief.

At the age of 18, Dad joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He had to forge his father’s signature as he was too young to enlist.  Dad was stationed in Halifax Nova Scotia, where he spent his whole career of 32 years. Dad only had three brothers so when he met and married Mom, he loved the large family she came from. He always said it was great to get hugs from so many beautiful women.

It was in Halifax he met the love of his life, our mother, Catherine Stewart. They were married for 53 years when she passed. They had two children, Shawny and John.

Dad was a great storyteller and was always the life of the party. His stories ranged from his youth and his travels across the eastern seaboard to the western seaboard of Europe. He most enjoyed his trips to Bermuda as Dad loved to be in the sun.

On his free time dad loved to go fishing. As children he would take us to the most difficult to get to brooks.  More than once, we were stuck on some rough road cut by forestry. But we would always come home with brook trout. He also enjoyed hunting for the big buck. Every summer he would plant a garden and would anxiously wait for the first cucumbers so he could make three-day pickles.

When dad retired, he and mom traveled across Canada three times to decide where they wanted to live. To his amazement, Mom wanted to settle in Sundown, Manitoba. They later relocated to Menisino, MB.

Dad enjoyed his grandchildren and spent as much time as he could with them. During COVID, Levi would spend days with Dad, and they would often “sneak out” fishing instead of doing schoolwork.

Dad was predeceased by his wife, Catherine also known as Chipper to all who loved her; son, John; granddaughter, Rosemary Elyk; Brothers, Bill and Andy and his parents, Matt and Dora.

He is survived by daughter, Shawny (Victor) Prevost; daughter in law, Michelle Elyk and his grandchildren: Joshua Elyk, Brigette Elyk, Jacob Elyk, Jamie Prevost, Isabelle Prevost, Bobbie Jo Prevost and Levi Prevost.

The viewing and prayer service will be Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption, located in South Junction. Interment to follow at the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Neala Dyck, Dr. Monty Singh & Dr. Mark Vendranelli as well as the nurses and aides who care for dad while at Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on John’s behalf to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.