John Pashulka

John sadly passed away on April 4, 2026, after a very difficult 2½ years following his stroke and cancer diagnosis, at the age of 75 years. He endured so much through his post-operative chemotherapy and radiation treatments but always maintaining a positive outlook.

To the many people who cared for him, including Doreen, Amanda, Danny, and all those who drove him to medical appointments near and far, thank you.

John’s family experienced a terrible tragedy when their father was killed in a farm accident in 1960, when John was only 9 years old. Their mom worked incredibly hard, with the help of many hired hands, to maintain the farm and care for the animals. Sadly, their mom passed away in December 1983, leaving the boys to continue the farm.

John learned to farm at an early age, operating large equipment and trying to manage the business side as well. His adult years came with struggles and challenges led to some very unexpected events in his life.

John was extremely personable and friendly. He truly had a heart of gold. He attended every funeral, considered everyone a friend, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved his coffee time at the Derwent Hotel, enjoyed Ukrainian food from bazaars, and especially loved when Doreen made studenetz, his favourite.

There are so many to thank for John’s care. A few include Dr. Biron, his ENT surgeon, as well as the many doctors at the Cross Cancer Clinic who pursued every possible treatment option. We are also grateful to the teams at the University of Alberta Hospital, Two Hills, Vermilion, and Elk Point hospitals for their professional and compassionate care over the years.

A heartfelt thank you to Father Andrij Nykyforuk for the kindness he showed during conversations this past week and for performing the funeral service.

To Candice at Reflections Funeral Home, thank you for helping honour John’s wishes and prepare his final resting place.

To Jody Kiziak at Ascension Cemetery for organizing burial, and to the Derwent Hotel cousins, thank you for taking on meal preparations.

And to Nancy’s friends and cousins, a personal thank you from her, for guiding her throughout John’s illness.

May John rest in peace and fly with the angels.

He will be lovingly remembered by his life-long partner Doreen Ross; daughter Amanda (Jim) Bourassa; grandchildren Brooklynn, Peirsyn, Corbyn, and Oshyn; siblings Nancy Mawhinney, Harry Pashulka, and Daniel (Cathy) Pashulka; as well as 1 niece, 3 nephews, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Alex & Annie Pashulka; and brother in law Dwight Mawhinney.

Public Viewing is taking place on Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Reflections Funeral & Cremation Services, 4902B 50 Ave, Vermilion, AB.

A Funeral Service took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2 St W, Derwent, AB. To view the slideshow, please click on the following link: Slideshow of John Pashulka

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Haying in the 30’s, or charity of choice

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Pashulka, please visit our floral store.