John Olekszyk
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Olekszyk announces his peaceful passing on November 3, 2025, at the age 85, following a struggle with cancer.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years Barbara, his children Paul (Sherri), Andrew (Jennifer), Douglas, Joanne (Eric), Stepchildren Shane, Brent, Theresa (Ashley), 7 grandchildren -Brigitte, Braeden, Ryan, Matthew, Nash, Andrew, and Tobias, his sister, Sister MaryAnne, his ex-wife Linda, and his little Goldendoodle Maggie.
He was predeceased by his parents Donald and Mary Olekszyk.
John was born near Bonnyville in Dec 1939 and grew up with his sister on the family farm near Ardmore. After graduating from high school, he took a year of engineering at the U of A, but decided chemistry was his passion. He graduated from SAIT as a Laboratory Chemical Technician, worked at Surgical Medical Research for 1 year, then got a job at the U of A Chemistry Department in mass spectrometry, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1994.
After retiring, he enjoyed a variety of adventures. He drove a school bus for 8 years, helped his friend on the farm with harvesting each fall, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent De Paul, and the Marian Centre.
John enjoyed gardening, golfing, curling, watching hockey and football. He was an avid Edmonton Eskimo/Elk fan since 1953. He loved to travel, doing many road trips, camping, cruises and trips to Hawaii. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and other family members, friends and neighbours.
Funeral Mass
Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12:30 pm
Holy Family Parish
75 Poirier Ave St. Albert
Those wishing to view the service via LiveStream, may do so by accessing the following link: LiveStreamJohnOlekszyk
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Foyer Lacombe St. Albert, or the Hope Mission.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the St. Albert Palliative Care team, Dr. Doug MacIver, and the staff at Foyer Lacombe for their wonderful care and compassion.
I so sad to hear that John has left this world and sending my condolences to Barb and the family.
Love from Elise
Dear Barb and family,
I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a great husband and father, had a wonderful sense of humour and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Dear Barb and Family,
My condolences to you all for the passing of your loved one.
Love Bertha
Hi Barb
I wish to let you know that I am thinking of you and send my sincere condolence to you and your family.
Irene
We’re so sorry to learn of John’s passing Barb. He was obviously a wonderful husband and father. We didn’t see you often, but when we did John was so welcoming. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Dear Barb and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers.
Dear Barb and MaryAnne,
I met John and MaryAnne in grade 12 at Fort Kent High School at which time John & I decided on different disciplines of work. He took Chemistry and I, Electrical at SAIT. We didn’t see each other for a few years as our careers were being established. Later and after marriage, Marian & I would drop in for a visit with John and Barb when we went on a trip out west from Peterborough, ON. We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality, jokes and reminiscing’s during those times. We will miss the closeness of the friendship developed over those years.
Our condolences to you Barb and MaryAnne.
Barb & Families: I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Although I only met him a few times, I know that you had a wonderful happy life together.
Sincere condolences from The Georges.