John Edward Kalmakoff
July 25, 1940 - July 27, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Kalmakoff, who passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 27th. Left to cherish John's memory are his wife of 51 years, Doreen; his sons, John (Robin) and Jeffery (Melanie); seven grandchildren: John, Joseph, Kiersten, Luke, Samuel, Sarah and Natasha Kalmakoff; sister, Marilyn Postnikoff; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Tena Kalmakoff; infant sister, Anne Kalmakoff; sister, Lucy Cheveldayoff; brothers-in-law, Alex Cheveldayoff and Lawrence Postnikoff. John was born on his parents' farm, northeast of Blaine Lake on July 25, 1940. He attended Gillies School as a child, and went to high school in Blaine Lake, graduating in 1958. John attended the University of Saskatchewan, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education, and Bachelor of Education degrees. While attending the University of Saskatchewan, John met Doreen Metherell. They were married in 1962. Following graduation, John began his career as a school teacher in Leask. John taught at the Leask School for fourteen years, serving as principal from 1966 - 1977. After moving back to the family farm near Blaine Lake in 1977, John taught at Marcelin School until he retired from teaching in 1993. He followed his "official" retirement from teaching with stints at the Marcelin Kihiw School, and substitute teaching in The Blaine Lake School Division. John truly enjoyed his career as a teacher. He was highly regarded and well-respected by his colleagues and students. John also served as a councillor for the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, and on the board of the Royal University Hospital. He was a manager for his sons' minor hockey teams in Blaine Lake. He was a long time member of the Leask Lions Club and was actively involved in the communities of Leask, Marcelin and Blaine Lake in many other ways. In addition to many other endeavours, John was a farmer for his entire life. He grew up working on the family farm, continued to be involved in the farm in the early days of his teaching career, and took it over full time after his father passed away in 1975. He and Doreen continued to actively operate the farm until 2008, at which time he made the difficult decision to retire. John was an extremely intelligent, yet uncomplicated man. He did not care for fancy or extravagant places or things. He was happiest when at home, surrounded by the people he loved. His family and friends were the most important things in his life. He worked hard, and went to great lengths to make sure that his family was well looked after, and that his children and grandchildren had every opportunity to succeed. A celebration of John's life will be held at the Leask Lions Hall on Friday, August 2nd at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Shellbrook Hospital Foundation or Blaine Lake Senior Citizens Centre. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hawryluk Funeral Home, Leask, SK. 306.466.4822. Family and friends may send online condolences by visiting www.hawrylukfuneralhome.com

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