CZERNIAK, John

Born April 25, 1937, Cando, SK – Died July 17, 2019, Calgary, AB

John was born at the farm to Nicholas and Hassia Czerniak (nee Bilan) near Cando, SK.  He is the middle child of eleven with 5 older and 5 younger siblings.

He is predeceased by his parents along with his brother’s Leonard Czerniak, Billy (Gloria) Czerniak, and Mike Czerniak.  He is also predeceased by his brother in-law Nick (Mary) Mantyka and sister in-law Dorothy (Paul) Czerniak.

John is survived by his siblings; Mary (Nick) Mantyka, Rose (Jim) Keogan, Sophie (Mel) Proteau,  Lydia (Sylvester) Gulansky, Paul (Dorothy) Czerniak, Carolyn (Peter) Gustar, Denis (Debbie) Czerniak.

John married Nola Mable King on May 28th, 1960.  They moved many times over the years to follow his oilfield career.   In 1979 they built and moved to “the ranch” NW of Cochrane.  John and Nola had 5 children; Rhonda Czerniak (Steven, Rhondel, Justin), Lorelei (Rob) Berry (Natasha, Ryan, MacKenzie), Leah (Tom) Czerniak-Holmes (Davis, Reece), Naomi (Jamie) Czerniak-Reay (Kyle, Mikaela, Ethan), and John (Tracey) Czerniak (Annabella).

Papa Gheto is survived by 12 great grandchildren.

John was a self-taught, accomplished musician on the guitar, banjo, fiddle and piano.  Family and music were his passions.  In 1970 Big Chief Records released his album “I’m Johnny Bluestone”.  Over the years John and his music was the source of entertainment at all family gatherings.  As soon as he arrived and started playing his music the whole party started!

We know the party in heaven has gained a lead vocal and guitarist.  The toes are tapping and the laughs are rollin’.  We love you and will miss you always.  Till next time Pops (aka Crusty Muffin), xx

Funeral Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (10 River Heights Dr, Cochrane, AB).  Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 10:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

View here the Photo Tribute played at John’s Funeral Service

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Florence (Flo) Simpson and Anne McNeil, Funeral Directors. Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On July 19, 2019 at 7:03 am Pat Sangster Said:

    Our hearts go out to all of you at this time of grief. Our deepest sympathy, remember the good times always. God be with you all.
    Love Pat,Wendy/Jamie, Darryl ,and Nicole/Joel

  2. On July 19, 2019 at 7:54 am Tim Kavanagh Said:

    On behalf of all the staff and directors of the Rocky Mountain House Primary Care Network, please accept our most sincere condolences to the entire family, his friends and the community for the loss of a man that was clearly loved and admired.

  3. On July 19, 2019 at 9:29 am Pat Radisic Said:

    Our hearts go out to you at the time of your loss I know what you are feeling right now I wish I was there to give you a hug. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Love Rob & Pat

  4. On July 19, 2019 at 12:34 pm Wanda Wallace Said:

    Thinking of you all at this sad time. Cherish all your wonderful memories – in time they will bring a smile and a sense of peace. Until then may the good Lord gently carry you through this painful time.

  5. On July 20, 2019 at 10:16 am Ken & Phyllis Klohn Said:

    Nola and Family,

    Our thoughts are with you.

    Ken & Phyllis Klohn

  6. On July 20, 2019 at 11:08 am ZUL DHARSHI Said:

    NOLA & FAMILY
    our sincere condolences on the death of John. May The Lord give you Strength & Courage to bear this great Loss. May The Lord Bless John In Eternal Peace, Amen
    I have known John for almost 40 years. He had a pleasant personality, never saw him in a bad mood and always smiling. John will be greatly missed by us & thousands more that knew him. Unfortunately I never got hear his songs & his music.
    Our thoughts & prayers are with you
    Zul Dharshi, Rosemeen & Family

  7. On July 20, 2019 at 2:08 pm allan & carole hall Said:

    we are so sorry for your loss

  8. On July 22, 2019 at 12:47 pm Brenda and Steve Mychasiuk Said:

    Nola and family,

    Our deepest sympathy. May your loving memories of John help you through this difficult time.
    God Bless you all.
    Love,
    Brenda and Steve

  9. On July 22, 2019 at 2:20 pm Mary Mantyka Said:

    With my deepest condolences. Our hearts are very heavy with your loss and not being able to be with all of you. Our prayers are with you all.xoxoxo Love Mary and family

  10. On July 22, 2019 at 7:19 pm Rose Matheson Said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family Celebrate all of the good times and remember every little thing love you all

  11. On July 24, 2019 at 7:40 am Kathy Barron Said:

    My deepest condolences to all. God Bless
    Kathy Barron

  12. On July 24, 2019 at 9:45 am Pat & Mary Coyle & Family Said:

    Our sincere sympathy on the passing of John
    May your memories comfort you through this difficult time.

  13. On February 15, 2022 at 7:20 pm Thorsten Gatzmanga Said:

    My belated condolences. I loved John like he was my own dad. I wish I could have been at the funeral.

    Thorsten