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John TREFANENKO
March 14, 1938 - November 16, 2024
Obituary
During the early morning of Saturday, November 16, 2024, John Trefanenko passed away peacefully at the age of 86 at the St. Therese – St. Paul Healthcare Centre with his wife of 58 years, Lucille, by his side, holding his hand. This final moment together showed the deep love and commitment they shared throughout their lives.
John leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, survived by his cherished wife Lucille and their children: Koreen Trefanenko (Dean Sonntag) and children Jonathan, Matthew (Emma), and Jacob (Claire); Maureen (Lawrence) Ference and children Zachary, Allison, and Lisa; and Glen (Allison) Trefanenko and children Brooke and Leah.
Born into a close-knit family, John is survived by his brothers Charlie (Sharon), Bill (Rosemary), George (Norma), and Steve (Jennifer), as well as his sisters Lil Yakimishyn and Kay (Arnold) Willekes. He is also survived by his two godchildren, Brenda Binette and Kari MacLean, and by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and their families.
John was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Helen; brother Nick and wife Vicky; sister Mary Kaufman and husband Andy; brother Tom and wife Carol; brother Paul; brother-in-law John Yakimishyn; and infant sisters, Doris and Irene.
John was born in Smoky Lake, and then, at the age of 6, the family travelled by wagon train to Wandering River, where he grew up on the new family homestead. John and Lucille made St. Paul their home for the past 50 years. For 86 years, John lived a life dedicated to helping others. His passion shone through his work as a social worker, his civic duties, and his volunteer efforts. His enduring legacy of kindness and dedication exemplified the value of family, community involvement, and compassion.
A Funeral Rite will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Hall, St. Paul. Reverend Father Peter Haugen will be officiating with interment in Union Cemetery, St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s (Cancer Support Society), St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care), or a charity of one’s choice ℅ 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB. T0A 3A1.
The Trefanenko family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Therese Healthcare Centre in St. Paul for their exceptional care and kindness. To send condolences online, please visit https://www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com/obituary/john-trefanenko/
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
Condolences
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From: Larry and Marlene Hodinsky
Relation: Long time friend
Lucille and the entire Trefanenko family
Marlene and I send our deepest condolences in your loss of such a fine man!
We admired John as a long time friend, dental patient, golf buddy and Lions member
He was a very friendly, caring and unselfish man who was dedicated to public service and helping others. It was a pleasure to have known him. He will be greatly missed!
Sorry we were not available to attend the service.
Larry and Marlene Hodinsky
From: Suzanne (Boisvert) Wood
Relation: Family friend, neighbour, and long ago babysitter to the Trefanenko kids.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mr.Trefanenko. I have fond memories of his kindness, sense of humour and great laugh, as well as his commitment to making our community a better place through his work as well as community activities. My sincere condolences to his immediate family, and all who loved and will miss him. He was one of the good guys! 🩵
From: Ray Makowecki
Relation: Friend
Deepest sympathies.
God Bless the Family and May John Rest in Peace
Janice and Ray Makowecki
From: Rita and Floyd Kunnas
Relation: Friends
Dear Lucille and family, Please accept our deepest condolences on John’s passing. He was an upstanding and respected person in our community for many years. May he rest in peace.
From: Rita Kunnas
Relation: Family friends
Dear Lucille and family, Please accept our deepest condolences on John’s passing. He was a upstanding respected person in our community for many years. May he rest in peace.
From: Alex & Celine Berlinguette
Relation: Friends
Lucille and family, we are saddened to hear of John’s passing. May John rest in peace. He will be missed.
From: Michael and Giselle Boucher
Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. May God help you through it all.
From: Terry Lynn Woytiuk
Relation: friend
Our sincere condolences to Lucille and family. Very sorry we were unable to attend John’s memorial service. Hugs to you all, Harv & Lynn Woytiuk
From: Ken Gurski
Relation: Former boss and friend.
John was my first boss and first friend at social services. I learned the value of building relationships with clients and colleagues from John. Best wishes to the family.
From: Al Higgs
Many, man years ago I was honoured to have worked with John. Got to know him well when he was working in Blarimore. A man of considerable integrity and compassion. Lucille and John reflected their love of family and friends. God Bless him in eternity.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
November 23, 2024
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Hall
St. Paul, AB Canada
St. Paul, AB Canada
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s (Cancer Support Society), St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care), or a charity of one’s choice ℅ 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB. T0A 3A1.
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