Richard “John” Ondrik of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital, with his wife and nephew by his side on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the age of 71 years.

John will be deeply missed by his wife of 31 years, Teri (Johnston); his stepchildren, Kyle (Christina) Johnston, Erin (Nathan) Puhl; the littlest loves of his life, his puppies, Tobi Tinker LaBelle and Chantilly Lace; sister Marilyn (Jerry) Kopjar; nephew Brian (Jolynn) Kopjar; nieces Peggy Kopjar and Sandra Melling; great nephews Kody (Ryanne) Kopjar, Quentin Kopjar and Bryce Kopjar; great niece Taylor Melling; great-great nephews Archie and Tucker Kopjar; uncle Stan (Deanna) Ondrik; aunt Margaret Hugo; brothers in-law Wayne (Pam), Gary (Betty), Trevor (Wendy) and Shaun (Michelle) Thompson; sister’s in-law Gayle (Nick) Bowes, Sherry (Alan) Norris, Joy (Bill) Derry, Gail Thompson and families, as well as numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Ondrik; infant sister Peggy Ann; and several aunts, uncles and a couple of cousins.

John was born in Blairmore, AB on September 18, 1952.  He moved to Lethbridge as a young child.  He graduated from Catholic Central High School and took a business management course at the Lethbridge Community College.  John went to work for Molson’s Brewery after college and worked there until it closed.  He worked for a short time with Charlton Hill Roofing before changing jobs to work for the City of Lethbridge as a Transit Operator.  John retired at the age of 55.  He said he wanted to enjoy life doing the things he wanted to do, like cut his grass, plant his garden, ride his motorcycle, quad, and classic cars, and vacation.  John loved his toys. Teri teased him that her engagement ring always ended up in the garage looking more like a car or bike and he would blush and laugh. John was an avid gardener and took great pride in his yard, home and vehicles.  He never sat still.  John travelled to Europe with his parents and after he met Teri, they both continued to travel. Like trips to Sturgis, which they went 7 times, day trips over the Logan Pass in Glacier National Park with a large group of friends, and so many other amazing, wonderful trips!  His favorite place was Las Vegas, which he visited 3-4 times a year.

John was a very gentle and kind man. He was a great friend, he enjoyed meeting new people, and anyone who met him, loved him. He always laughed as he remembered some of the crazy things he did as a kid and young adult.  He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.

A Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 pm, on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, August 19, 2024, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH, 2405-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

A private family Interment will be held in Mountain View Cemetery.