PISKO
John Andrew
It is with tremendous sadness; but, also, profound gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the sudden passing of John Andrew Pisko on the evening of September 24, 2009 at the age of 80 years. He was born August 29, 1929. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marie Blanche Pisko, and his devoted children, Janice (Tom) Hart of Delburne, Brenda Pisko of Edmonton and David (Jane) Pisko of Delburne; his adoring grandchildren, Zakary and Benjamin Hart; John, Hannah and Jacob Pisko; his loving siblings, Kay Whitefield of Parksville, BC , Julia Hanson of Red Deer, AB, Clair (Faye) Pisko of Delburne, AB, and Gwen (Sam) Kidd of Elnora, AB; and, many nephews, nieces, family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen (nee Zak) and John Pisko, and, brother-in-laws, Eric Williams, Jim Hanson and Stan Whitefield. Johnny Pisko was born in the Delburne area and attended Woodlake and Delburne Schools. After graduating, he went on a Harvest Excursion to Ontario in the summer of 1948. With the goal of becoming an engineer, he went on to do a second year of Grade 12 in Red Deer which he was unable to complete due to a severe episode of Rheumatic fever. After his recovery, he worked for six months as a butter maker at the Delburne Creamery. Then, he worked for four and a half years as a building mover for Casey Bysterveld where he learned some of the carpentry skills he used later in his career. He worked for Murray Drilling in Saskatchewan and Eastern Alberta for the next summer and in the fall of 1955, after his father died, he came back to Delburne and purchased the "Brink" quarter. In 1961, he and Marie Pacejka married and in 1962 they purchased their home quarter and Great Bend quarter from his sister, Julia Williams. He farmed there until his retirement when he moved to the Village of Delburne in 1998. In 1977, Johnny started doing building construction in addition to farming. In the latter years, he continued to help his children with their farming right up to his last day, loving to farm and glad not to have to pay the bills. Johnny Pisko was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and family as well as his friends and community. He was a Jack of all Trades and mastered them all. He was the motivating force behind decades of Sunday family dinners where laughter, love and delicious home cooked meals abounded. An excellent cook, he made everything from sauerkraut and pickles to homemade perogies and wedding cakes. His garden overflowed with abundance which he generously shared. He picked dozens of gallons of raspberries, saskatoons and cherries every summer. His homemade wine was perfected and no one who tasted his raspberry wine could resist a second glass. Johnny Pisko was a member of the Delburne Elks for 53 years and served as District Deputy, Exalted Ruler, and treasurer for many years. He served two terms as a Councillor for the Village of Delburne. He was a member of the Delburne Legion and served on a number of boards and committees. He took great pride in all that he did and everyone could count on the job being done well. Johnny Pisko will always be remembered lovingly as devoted, conscientious, gracious, generous, patient, tolerant, humble, and hardworking. The empty place he leaves in our family and community can never be filled. A Memorial Service was held at the Delburne Community Hall on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., lunch followed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 101, 5208-53 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5K2, or Delburne Elks or Delburne Legion #142. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Arrangements entrusted to:
PERSONAL ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL SERVICES
Unit 1, 6828 - 50 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5G1
403-341-5181
entrusted with arrangements.