PARKOLUB: John Parkolub passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2007, after a hard fought battle with cancer, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. John was born on May 22, 1934 in Brandon, Manitoba - the third of four children of Prokop (Peter) and Katherine Parkolub. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Morison), and his two sons Peter (Bozenna) of Vancouver, British Columbia and Michael. He also leaves behind his sister Stella Sturko (Walter) of Brandon, his sister Olga Bass of Burnaby, BC, and his brother Paul (Gloria) also of Brandon, MB. Other survivors include his sisters-in-law Marlene Little and Delia Milne, both of Brandon, Manitoba, and a special mention must also go to his long-term companion Renate Christensen. John was predeceased by mother and father; sister-in-law Elaine (Albert) Kruger, formerly of Minnedosa and Delia's husband Les Milne. John grew up in the North End of Brandon. His mother passed away very early in his life. He often joked that he was too poor to have a mother. His childhood was tough, and colourful. John used to tell many stories of his upbringing and the necessity to provide for himself and for his sisters. His dedication to others and the need to provide care and support would hold true for the rest of his life. After finishing high school, John went to work on the railroad. Most of his railroad days were spent stationed out of Winnipeg. During this time, John married Margaret Morison of Pope (Hamiota), Manitoba on May 25, 1957. Their first child, Peter, was born in 1959. When the CPR proposed to transfer him to Thunder Bay, he returned to Brandon and commenced a career with the Brandon Fire Department in 1960. With a secure career and the means to provide for a family, another child Michael, followed in 1962. Soon after, he took on a second job with Brandon Paint and Glass, to ensure that his family would never have to experience what he did in his childhood. While John did work hard all of his life, he also knew how to have a little fun as well. He was well known for the stories he would tell of the trials and tribulations in his life. A great sense of humour, and a sharp wit, he would have a quip or quick comeback for almost any situation. Those that knew him will also remember him for his metaphors and euphemisms that was part and parcel of who he was. During the time that his family was growing up, time was spent with Margaret's parents at the Morison farm assisting with chores and crops. Summers were also spent with family and friends at Sandy Lake or Clear Lake, or on fishing trips to Northern Manitoba. John retired from the Brandon Fire department in July 1994, as a Captain, with 35 years of service. It was at this time that Margaret was becoming increasingly ill from the onset of Huntingtons Disease. She became permanently hospitalized soon after and the balance of John's life was dedicated to keeping her as well cared for as possible. This earned him a "Caregiver of the Year" award in October 2000. John visited Margaret in the hospital on a daily basis, almost without fail, for the past 10 years until he became too ill himself to attend to her. In keeping with John's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family funeral was held on Thursday, August 9, 2007 in Brandon, Manitoba. Interment will take place in the Brandon Cemetery with his wife, when that time comes. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Huntington's Society of Canada, 151 Frederick Street, Suite 400, Kitchener, Ontario N2H 2M2. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Huntington's Society