John Horobec

In loving memory, we announce the recent passing of John Horobec, aged 93 years of Vita, Manitoba, on Monday, October 25, 2021.

John is survived by his brother, Peter Horobec, and his sister-in-law, Diane Horobec, both of Caliento, Manitoba, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is predeceased by his parents, Mike and Helen Horobec, brothers Marko (Lena) Koshelanyk, Walter Koshelanyk, Ostop Koshelanyk, Joe (Bella) Koshelanyk, Bill (Anne) Horobec, Mike (Ileen) Horobec, Paul Horobec, sisters Marie (Kasmir) Dziedzic, Ann (Lawrence) Ogrodnik, Stella (Ansley) Wilson and sister-in-law, Helen Horobec. He is also predeceased by nephews Ed Koshelanyk and Terry Horobec and nieces Christine Koshelanyk and Karen Horobec along with other cousins and friends.

John was born in Caliento, Manitoba to his loving parents, Mike and Helen Horobec. John grew up with his brothers, sisters, and parents, in their two-room home on the family farm. John participated in all the farm activities and attended Kupchenko School. His love of music started at an early age with learning to play the violin. Later John worked in the Dominion City, Manitoba area on grain farms. He travelled by bicycle back and forth from Caliento to Dominion City. Later, John was excited to buy his first car, a Buick. John also worked as a Delivery Cream driver for the Vita Creamery in his younger years.

In 1953, John worked alongside two lifelong friends, John Korchak and Nestor Bozyk, to install wiring in homes in Vita, Manitoba, when hydroelectricity was first introduced. Later, they worked in the surrounding areas to enable the towns and family farms to have hydro. What a difference they made in people’s lives.
John received the special honour of being a member of the Canadian Pilgrimage to The Netherlands under the War Graves Committee in 1964. The event was to commemorate the service and passing of his brother, Walter Koshelanyk, during WWII.

In 1970, John accepted a position with the Department of Conservation to work in the newly created Whiteshell Provincial Park. During his employment there, he worked in many areas ranging from the campgrounds in the summer to the ski hills in the winter. He survived a major accident in the 1970s and was rehabilitated in the hospital for many months.
John enjoyed spending time with family and friends. During his time in Falcon Lake, his home was a popular destination for family and friends to visit and spend time on their travels through the area. He very much enjoyed all his travels to visit family throughout Canada. He also enjoyed his travels in the U.S., especially to Hawaii, California, and Florida.
John took great pride in his carpentry and built many homes. He was also an entrepreneur starting businesses in the Falcon Lake area.

Following his retirement in 1991, he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba and later to Vita, Manitoba. He appreciated when the family would spend time visiting, come for holiday dinners or just stop in for a visit and a coffee. He enjoyed many active years prior to moving to the Niverville Health Centre and the Vita Personal Care Home. His love of music, especially the violin, was a source of joy and carried with him throughout his lifetime. It was also a comfort in his later years.

John was a member of the St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church in Caliento, Manitoba for many years. He was a generous person extending a helping hand to anyone in need. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery Fund. Due to Covid and family illness, the funeral service and interment will be held at a later date. Korban Funeral Chapel (Vita Funeral Home) was entrusted with the arrangements.

Vichnaya Pamyat – Eternal Memory. With Love.