Tribute

It is with great sadness, yet immense pride, that we reflect upon the life and announce the passing of John Steven Hans Gyurkovits, husband, father and Poppi.
John was born to Les and Corrie Gyurkovits on March 13th, 1949 in Creston, B.C. He was second born in a family of six; William, John, Robert, Suzanne, Richard and Donald. John was raised in Kimberley, B.C in a large, loving family where John’s strong personality was always present. Growing up, John was a member of the Boy Scouts, and could often be found playing hockey, skiing and playing baseball. He enjoyed spending his summers at McDougal pool and was a competitive boxer in his teen years.
His dad also taught him to hunt, a passion that he would continue for many years and also share with his nephews Les and Mark.
At the tender age of 15, John advised his parents that he had quit school. His Dad told him that he had one week to find a job and so began his working life at a lumber mill in Canal Flats. He remained at this job until joining the Air Force in 1967. His basic training
was done at Currie Barracks in Calgary, after which he trained to become a medic, travelling across Canada to various military bases, mostly in Ontario and Quebec. From “old time” stories, we know that he and his military buddies would sometimes travel to places like New York when “leaves” were granted. He also spoke of the good times during Expo ‘67 in Montreal and his adventures travelling by train across the country. After discharge from the service, John moved back home to Kimberley and started working in the Iron Plant at Cominco. John met his bride, Linda, on his 21st birthday and they married on May 20th,1972.

After living and working in Vancouver for nearly 10 years, they decided to return to the Kootenays to raise their children and in June 1981 moved to Cranbrook to be closer to family and friends. They were blessed to have shared over 51 memorable years
together as husband and wife, creating countless memories along the way.
John owned and operated a renovation business from the mid-1980s until his retirement in 2014. He spent many hours in the garage working on projects, teaching and sharing his carpentry knowledge. Many of you might remember on a Friday afternoon “when the garage door is open…”. He was a force to be reckoned with and was never afraid to tell you exactly what he felt. John was also the guy who would do whatever he could to help
you out. He would invite you into his home and you would leave filled with memories and love.
When John and Linda became empty nesters, they started traveling and twice a year could be found on a beach in Cabo San Lucas. It was in the hot sun enjoying a cervasa or two, that they met many friends from Cabo and the States who are now considered part of the family. John and Linda also made trips to England, Holland and Italy having great adventures and making wonderful memories with family.
John’s life is celebrated through Linda and their children, Tyler (Kristin) Gyurkovits and Tracy (Ian) Thomson, but it is the legacy through their grandchildren they are most proud of: Taygen and Kazel Gyurkovits and, Sadie, Avery and Oliver Thomson.
John and Linda loved being involved in every part of their grandchildren’s lives; watching sporting events, spending holidays and birthdays together, creating traditions (pizza Friday) and making special memories for the grandkids to hold in their hearts.
Linda, Tyler and Tracy would like to thank each and every one of you for all of the calls, text messages, flowers and meals as well as sharing your memories and love with us as we journey through this difficult time. John has left a huge impact on so many people in this world and knowing that makes it just a tiny bit easier to deal with our loss. Never
wait to tell someone you love them life is too short. Love your life, live it, and leave it, on your terms, just as Big John did.
A special thank you to Dr. Dustin Post and medical staff at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital for sending John to Calgary as quickly as possible and a big thank you to the doctors and nurses at Foothills Medical Centre neurology and ICU departments for the
compassionate care provided to John.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com