John Basaraba

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dad John (Johnny) Basaraba who passed away April 22, 2022 at 85 years of age. Dad made his home for over 35 years in the Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay on Vincent Lake in St. Paul County, AB. Vincent Lake was the perfect place for him to call home given his love of nature.

John was born and raised in Willingdon, AB. He was predeceased by his parents: Samuel Basaraba (1946), Catherina (nee Karpluk)(1959);his sisters: Leona (1935), Marjory (1938), Mary Hlady (2016); and son-in-law: Barry Massing (2021).

He will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters: Kim and husband Robert Morrison, Karrie Massing and Kelly Basaraba; his grandchildren: Glenn Morrison, Lauren Morrison, Paul Arlia, David Arlia, Shelby Tondu and Christin Tondu; nieces: Georgina Connell & family, Debra Lynch; great-nephew: Devon; and nephew: Sam Hlady; numerous friends, neighbours, and former sons-in-law.

Our dad was a jack of all trades but dad’s real skill was his ability to build just about anything including a great story! He never shied away from an adventure or the opportunity to learn something new. Over the years John worked on a CP railroad crew in Albert Canyon, BC; as a barber, a real estate agent, an electrician, he ran a shoeshine stand and drove a taxi. John was a partner and big game hunting guide with H & H Guiding. He was a skilled archer and marksman. Later, with one of the same partners he would open and operate a butcher shop in Whitecourt, AB. For several years he worked as a welder for Beaver Dredging in Tuktoyaktuk. He worked with Dorman Ditch to build some of the early Jet boats in Alberta including our family boat the ‘JB’. Many family and friends would spend weekends river boating with our dad on the Athabasca! When dad moved to Horseshoe Bay he worked for A. Amyotte & Son Welding Ltd. until his retirement at 70.

The family, on behalf of John, would like to thank Rodney Christensen, Rita and Billy Grove for their many years of friendship and conversation. The family also extends their gratitude to Michael Kemmer for the help around the house; Dr. Vincent Mannion for the years of guidance and care, and Dr. Umarah Farrukh and the caregivers that provided comfort during dad’s last days.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Martin Recreation Centre located in the Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay on Vincent Lake, AB. A private interment will occur in Willingdon, AB at a future date.

~Respectfully submitted by John's family

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