John ROGOZA

JOHN ROGOZA It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, with family present, of John Rogoza, 86, into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Monday, Aug. 16, 2004 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. Born March 14, 1918 in Gardenton, Man. to the late William and Anastasia Rogoza, John married Kay, his sweetheart and love of his life, on Oct. 9, 1939. John spent his early years at various bush camps honing the art of wood-cutting and earning a proud reputation for his strength, skill, and work ethic. Diversifying and partnering with brother, Matt, he served up “many a tasty meal” at the Fort Frances Coffee Bar and Rainy Lake Hotel. Finally, employed by Boise Cascade, he worked as a valued employee in the finishing room for 23 years. Retirement afforded him the opportunity to enjoy the things he loved most: family, friends, church, gardening, wood-cutting/carpentry, nature, berry/mushroom-picking, card games, TV (“Jeopardy”), and fine dining. “Guid,” as he was affectionately known, was a warm, remarkable man who contributed to his community by devoting not only countless hours to St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (treasurer/cantor), but also sharing his tenderly-cultivated surplus garden produce to appreciative recipients. Most importantly, and above all else, John directed his heart and passion toward serving the Lord as evidenced by his 30 years of dedicated service. Loving and caring, honest and honourable, John’s steadfast 64-year commitment to loving wife, Katherine, has left an enduring legacy to his family. His support as a father/grandfather, mischievous sense of humour, generosity, and trusting good nature made him an unforgettable, unique, and special man. John Rogoza was predeceased by his sister, Mary (Badiuk); brothers, Nick and Matt; and great-granddaughter, Ashlee. He is survived and sadly missed by his loving wife, Katherine (Kay) of Fort Frances, Ont.; three children, Nelson (Carol) Rogoza of Fort Frances, Ont., Joan (Michael) Hughes of Toronto, Ont., and Johnny (Daphne) Rogoza of Fort Frances, Ont.; grandchildren, Nelson Jr., Grant (Renee), Lindsey (Mellisa), Gregory, Jeremy, Natalie, Raina, Jonathan, Moriah, Heather, Marc, and Neil; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Daniel, Cassandra, Michael, and Mark; and special friends, Ken and Madeline Martin. Also surviving are three sisters, Katie Graves of Fort Frances, Ont., Verna Pierrepont (Harry) of Swan River, Man., and Anne Kachurowski of Sundown, Man.; one brother, Alex Rogoza (Rose) of Steinbach, Man.; numerous nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Ruth Rogoza of Fort Frances, Ont. John, Dad, Guid, you will always be in our hearts, your smile in our memory, and your love will shine in our lives forever. May God keep you until we meet again. Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 20, 2004 at 10 a.m. at St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Fort Frances. Rev. Fr. Michael Kopchuk will officiate, with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances. Pallbearers will be Greg Hughes, Jonathon Rogoza, Daniel Rogoza, Michael Thompson, Neil Hanson, Aaron Rogoza, Grant Rogoza, and Lindsey Rogoza. Honourary pallbearers will be family, friends, and St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church members. In memoriam donations may be made to St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 804 McKenzie Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B2.