John passed away on Oct. 22, 2011 at the age of 89 years at Cascade Lodge with his family by his side.
He was born in Volka, Poland. The family immigrated to Canada in 1928 and settled in McMurphy, BC, moving to Chilliwack in 1944. In 1949 he married Dora Feniak and resided on Riverside Dr. for 59 years.
His lifetime work included the Canadian Army, Canadian National Railway, Orion Bowman & Sons (chokerman) and J. Haas Hop Company.
He is survived by his wife Dora of 62 years, daughters Rose Merritt (Art), Doris Baron and son Steven.
He is survived by brothers Bill and George and sisters Rose Hrycan, Mary Mercer, Nell Dyble and Ann Dyble
Also surviving him are his grandchildren Aaron and Chris Merritt, Shawna Britch, Leah and Jordan Decaire, Kary Britch and Melanie Monhay.
Great-grandchildren are Arlo, Maeve, Finn, Dylan and Brady Merritt.
He was pre-deceased by parents Paraskavia and Sedor, infant daughter Helen, young sister Anna; Olga Andrews; brothers Victor and Walter and daughter-in-law Glenda Monhay.
No service by request.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Oct. 27, from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn, Vedder Room.