PYLYPIUK, John

PYLYPIUK With love and sadness, we announce the passing of John Russel Pylypiuk, a devoted husband, father, and papa, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. Michael’s Palliative Care at the age of 83.
John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Sheila Pylypiuk; his daughter, Leigh Pylypiuk; his daughter and son-in-law, Marla and Calvin McCulloch; his grandchildren, Lyndsey Olsen and Kyle McCulloch; his great grandchildren, Elysse, Chanelle, and Laurenne Olsen; and his furry great granddogs, Toby and Cassie.
John is also survived by his siblings, Gordon Pylypiuk (Joanne), Doreen Wasylyshen (Darren), Jean Wemp (Bill), Dianne L’Heureux, and Debbie Kobzey (Barney); sisters-in-law Sandra Pylypiuk and Betty Stevens-Guille; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents, Mary and John Pylypiuk; his mother- and father-in-law, Ethel and Bert McDonald; his brothers, Tom, Mitch, and David Pylypiuk; and his niece, Kara Pylypiuk.
John was born on May 8, 1942 in Athabasca to Mary and John Pylypiuk, the oldest of nine children. Raised on a farm, John was responsible for many chores, which instilled a strong work ethic throughout his life. John graduated from high school in Athabasca. He excelled academically, especially in math. It was there that he met Sheila, and their life together began.
Sheila and John loved going to dances together in rural communities, the jive being their favourite dance. John played baseball during this time with the Athabasca Aces, then coached baseball for a number of years following his playing days. His love of baseball continued throughout his life, cheering mostly for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays.
John and Sheila married in 1963 and had two daughters, Leigh and Marla. At this time, John began his lifelong career in the building supply industry. Moving up the ladder quickly, John managed several building supply businesses, which resulted in moving his family to many small towns along the way. John was an avid curler in all the communities they lived in. In 1975, John’s dream of owning his own business became a reality when they purchased Windsor Plywood in Lethbridge.
John was a smart, successful businessman. He worked tirelessly, yet always made time for family and friends. He eventually owned three other Windsor Plywood franchises in Alberta and British Columbia. John was highly respected in the Windsor Plywood community and was commonly known as a great mentor, leader, and teacher. He was often referred to as “Johnny P”, “The Godfather”, or “Minister of Finance” within the Windsor family. To recognize John’s many achievements, his picture hangs on the Windsor Plywood Wall of Fame.
John retired in 1997. Soon after, he discovered some new hobbies that his family and friends gratefully benefited from. Some of his favourite time was spent at their cabin at Little Bow Resort (his happy place) making jams, jellies, pickles, and soups; watching sports; working in the yard; and visiting with friends and neighbours. John loved cheering on his favourite sports teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos. He enjoyed travelling to Arizona to watch baseball spring training and attending major curling events when taking place close by.
John will fondly be remembered for his kindness and genuine care and concern for others. He was loved and respected by everyone. John was not a flashy person and took great pleasure in the simple things in life. He had a unique sense of humour and used funny words and sayings that we will miss.
Special thanks to John’s medical teams on 4B at Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael’s Palliative Care. Heartfelt thanks as well to the family and friends from near and far that visited John before his passing.
A gathering will be held in John’s honour at a later date and shared in a future announcement.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KidSport Canada (kidsportcanada.ca), which was one of John’s favourite charities.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com