We are deeply saddened to announce that John Andrew Palko, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away with his family at his side on December 27, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
John was born in Port Arthur May 2, 1942. He attended St. Joseph’s and Corpus Christi Elementary Schools, P.A.C.I. and the University of Toronto, graduating in 1965 with an Honours Degree in Physics and Mathematics. He began his teaching career at P.A.C.I. where he met his future wife, Gail.
A passionate educator, he taught at several different Secondary schools including P.A.C.I., Lakeview, and Fort William Collegiate. He was an Administrator at Westgate, Northwood, Hillcrest, and retired as Principal at Westgate in 1999.
John always had a strong social conscience, and was an active member of the community. Organizations he was involved with included Operation Dismantle in his early years, and more recently Poverty Free Thunder Bay, My Neighbour, Our Community and Lakehead Social Planning Council. He served on the Board of Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Lakehead Conservation Foundation.
John was an active member of Westminster United Church for many years serving as Chair of the Board and on several committees. He was a founding member of “The Questers” Book Club and valued the thoughtful discussions with his fellow “Questers”.
John was recognized by many as a warm, caring, good friend. He loved to reminisce about his fishing trips with “the boys”. He also looked forward to getting together with his Gin Group, his regular lunches with “the guys”, and spending Sunday afternoons watching football with his brother, Frank.
John was a lover of music and the Arts. He was a supporter of the TBSO for many years and after retirement created some beautiful water colour paintings and learned to play the guitar. John was an excellent photographer and often said “I take my best pictures when I have my camera with me!” He was a life long learner and lover of books on a multitude of topics. John married Gail in 1967 and they had two daughters, Heather and Kathy.
He was a wonderful Husband, Dad and Grandfather. Before retirement, he and Gail bought a home on the lake at Amethyst. He truly loved his time living on the lake, enjoying boating, fishing, the wildlife, his garden, cycling, cross country skiing and the many new friendships he developed. Summer visits from family and friends were always happy occasions, especially opportunities to see his grandchildren Jacob and Emily whom he loved so dearly.
John shared with Gail a love for travel, whether camping in the tent trailer with the girls, or March Break trips to Mexico and other warm places. They also spent many memorable summers at the family camp at Sunnyside. Following retirement, they added more adventures including an African Safari, Europe, Mexico and Florida.
John was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2003 and was fortunate to have excellent medical care which enabled him to enjoy many more years with family and friends. We thank the many doctors and nurses who treated John over the years, with exceptional skill and compassion.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Gail, their daughters Heather (Jeff) Martens and Kathy (Jamie Waring), grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Martens, his sister June (Marcel) Lamoureux, brother Frank (Tanis) Palko, sister Marilyn (Rod) Gottfried as well as by many much loved nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Palko. John will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley Street, with Rev. Susan Ivany presiding.
Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, December 29th from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in John’s memory to T.B.R.H.S. Foundation-Exceptional Cancer Care, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Westminster United Church or a Charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
