November 22, 1924 - November 22, 2012
It is with great sadness that the family of John Palibroda
announce his passing. John was born to George and Mary,
in Paraul Negru,(Transylvania) Romania. The family left for
Canada in 1927 when John was just 2 1/2. They homesteaded
in the Prince Albert area of Saskatchewan.
“Honest John” as he was know, became a bookkeeper after graduating college in 1945.He worked 25 years for International Harvester in P.A. Met the love of his life, Elsie, in 1947 over a glass of milk, and married her in 1948. Three
children followed, and the family achieved a dream of moving to BC in 1971 after John got a job keeping books for Turlin Motors. John loved the property they bought on Ward’s Lake. He loved gardening and nature and is responsible for a lot of the willow trees that ring the westside of the lake. In 1980, John and Elsie moved to Kamloops to manage townhouse units. They retired in 1989, moved back to Grand Forks, and became fulltime grandparents, the best job of all.
John was a patient, hardworking, loving, family man. He enjoyed taking hours of video of family and friends and was alway available to lend a hand. He greatly enjoyed
playing with all his grandchildren and then later, his great grandchildren. His family was his greatest love and accomplishment. John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elsie. Brother Walter (Olga). Daughters, Lorna Palibroda and Brenda Baker (Garry),
Daughter-in-law, Lynda Palibroda. Grandchildren, David (Jen), Jacob (Donelle), Clayton (Lisa), Trevor, Megan (Zak). Greatgrandchildren, Addy ,Lucas, Cassandra, Devon & Ripley. And Ex son-in-law Vic (Tracy) John was predeceased by his parents, sister Lena, brothers Bill, Mike and Nick. And by his beloved son, Laurie in 2005. John never fully recovered from the lose of his son, and it is a comfort to the family knowing that they are together again, for eternity.
The family would like to thank Dr. Merry, the staffs at both the Sunshine Manor and Ivy House for the care and compassion shown to John in his final years. A special thank you to Julie Chursinoff. Thank you to all those that sent cards and flowers, we are grateful for all your love and support at this difficult time. Finally thanks to Deborah, Everett and the staff at the Grand Forks Funeral Home who were entrusted with all the arrangements.
John will be greatly missed by his family but who will always have many fond memories of the great man that he was. And like a good bookkeeper, left us on his 88th birthday, on the dot.