John Shaskin 1925 ~ 2014

Mr. John Shaskin of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Vera Shaskin, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on April 1, 2014 at the age of 89 years.

John was born on March 27, 1925 in Maloyanysol, Ukraine along with his twin brother Stephen. The whole family left the Ukraine in 1944 amidst the chaos of retreating Nazi forces and eventually entered Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax. Sadly, John's mother passed away in Graz, Austria. Like many immigrants from post-war Europe, they came to work on a southern Alberta farm.

In the fall of 1951 John was introduced to a young woman, Vera Tyznenko, whose family also emigrated from the Ukraine. They fell love and were married and started a family the next year. He was determined to provide for his new family in the best way that he could and was always looking for an opportunity to be successful. All of his experiences from the war torn Europe were instrumental to his success.

He had experience in welding, vehicle repair and maintenance, supervision of a large workforce, coordinating special events, completing 2 years of electrical engineering at the University of Munich, and being fluent in Greek, Ukrainian, Russian, German and English. John had an innate ability to garner respect from anyone and everyone he met. John seized the opportunity to purchase a small construction company located in Parkland from Ira and Phyllis Jones. In November 1963, John, along with his brothers Stephen and Walter became partners in Willow Creek Sand & Gravel Co. Ltd. which is still operating as a family business.

John had an immense knowledge of world history and politics with a particular interest in Eastern Europe during the Second World War. His greatest affection was for his family - most recently his three great grand children. He also loved to read, play chess, and share a glass or two, and reminisce about his life experiences. Some of his fondest memories include summer vacations as a youth swimming in the Sea of Azov while visiting relatives, his tenior as a lieutenant at the Red Army Officer Training Academy in Mariupol, his time in the U.S. Military base in post war Germany, and his contributions to major construction projects in southern Alberta. Above all it was the people he met and knew that were important to him.

Besides his loving wife Vera, John is survived by his daughter Elizabeth; his sons Ken (Tina), Mark (Lori); grandchildren John (Jana), Dustin (Caroline), Thomas (Julie), Bradley, Jennifer (Matt); his great grand children Rowan, Channing, and Marshall. John is also survived by his brother Walter (Olga) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

John was predeceased by his parents Constantine and Elizabeth as well as his brother Stephen.

Prayers will be held at 7:00 PM, on Friday, April 4, 2014, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Father Antonie Ciobanu.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to either the Canadian Red Cross, 335 Colombia Blvd. West, Lethbridge AB, T1K 5Y8 or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 408 740 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge AB, T1J 0N9.