John Knezevich, resident of Spirit River, formerly of Rycroft, AB, passed away peacefully at Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River, AB, at the age of 94 years.

John was born in Rycroft, AB on March 17, 1926 to parents Louis and Katarina Knezevich who had recently emigrated from Croatia. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Prestville. At a young age he went to work for the Northern Alberta Railway, which later became part of the Canadian National Railway. He continued to work for them until he retired in 1985, after 39 years. Trains and railways were his passion, but he also continued to live and work alongside his mom, dad, sister, and brother on the family farm, east of Rycroft, helping his family raise registered purebred Hereford Cattle. He resided on that same farm until January of 2004, when he moved to Pleasant View Lodge in Spirit River, where he resided until his passing.

John was a serious man who was great with numbers, and had a very good heart. Likely because of his railroad background, he was never, ever late and was very committed to his schedule. Disruptions to his routine were very distressing to him! In his retirement years, when the weather allowed, and as long as he was able, he enjoyed going on long drives all over the Peace Country. He enjoyed watching hockey and baseball on TV. The Oilers and the Blue Jays were his favourite teams and he could usually tell you where they were in the standings.

John never had a family of his own, but he will be lovingly remembered by his old friends and neighbours, and by his remaining cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother Katarina, father Louis, sister Mildred, and brother Daniel.

Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, a private interment will be held at the Old Mission Cemetery and a memorial service will take place at a later date to be announced when possible, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Rycroft, AB.

Special thanks are extended to the devoted volunteers and caring staff of Pleasant View Lodge, as well as Home Care staff who were always so good to him. Thanks also to Dr. Phillips, Dr. Kitigawa, and Dr. Wolfaardt. He truly appreciated all of you.

Memorial donations may be made to Grande Spirit Foundation for Pleasant View Lodge (9505 102 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7G9) or to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Renovation Fund (Box 189, Rycroft, AB, T0H 3A0).

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-03-21
• Location : Spirit River, Alberta

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