OVAN, Captain M. John (Retired) - 88, Bible Hill, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday morning, March 23, 2014, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born May 19, 1925, in Galicia, Poland, he was a son of the late Daniel and Sophie (Hirsch) Hryckovian. At the age of 17, after training in Hubbards, he served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. Following the war, he sailed commercially as a Master Mariner, was called to serve in the Korean War and then sailed in the Pacific in the 1950s and 1960s. He sailed around the world a total of 14 times and in the late 1960s he worked at the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority and also taught at George Brown College and Georgian College. In the 1980s, while John was serving as President of Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, he was chosen to pilot the HMY Brittania, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip on board; he also retired from Great Lakes Pilotage Authority as President. John was a member of First United Church and also attended a neighbourhood Bible study. An avid outdoorsman, he looked forward to daily walks with his wife, Ethel, biking and skiing right up until 2013. Indoors, he enjoyed reading and woodworking; his family will forever cherish the many fine pieces of furniture that were made for them with love and precision. John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ethel Mae (Wynn); children, Corrie (Grant) Spearman, Jeannine Covan, Mark Covan (Jackie Farrow); grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer) Spearman, Charlotte and Rachel McKenna, Matthew and Will Covan; great grandchildren, Ivan and Ethan Spearman; sister, Mary (Hamilton) Weller; brothers, Sam (Celia) Hryckowian, Robert “Bob” (Gerry) Hrickovian; several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Ed (Beatrice) Hrickovian. Special thanks are extended to Bill Cook, EHS, and Dr. Neil Bower, Dr. Chris Cook, Dr. Cortney Smith and the nursing and support staff of Floor 3E, Colchester East Hants Health Centre, for their wonderful care. Honouring John’s wishes, a private family service will be held. If so desired, donations in John’s memory to Colchester East Hants Health Centre or Winnipeg Humane Society are welcomed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing John’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

From very humble beginnings,
Captain John was a man of considerable accomplishments.