Michael John Spatuk
March 5, 1954 – October 21, 2014
John passed quietly in his home in Blairmore early in the morning on October 21, 2014, at age 60. It was difficult for his loved ones to see him in such pain during the last 5 years of his life due to a myriad of health issues, and we take great solace knowing that he is now fully restored, pain-free, and at peace.
John was a master of many trades, a journeyman welder and millwright, and was proud of his background as one of the last underground coal miners who mined ‘with the old-timers’ in the Crowsnest valley. He was a go-to man in the community for his skills in fixing, building, constructing, and tinkering, and was happiest while blacksmithing in his custom shop, which he has left as a legacy for his family. He was a proud father who was committed to providing for his children, and he put his heart into serving them by grooming the luge track when they were young, bringing them camping in the bus-converted-camper, and encouraging them to follow their dreams and passions. Following in his own father’s footsteps, he loved riding his Harley, and he was a loyal member at the Blairmore Legion. From his mother’s passion for history came his own - he devoured knowledge of times past, especially WWI stories, was fascinated with ancient Egypt, and was a strong supporter of the Crowsnest Historical Society and the Crowsnest Museum. We were all deeply thankful that he made one grand trip to Europe with his sister Sue in 2013 and fulfilled his dream of travelling to WWI sites there.
Being a 4th generation Crowsnest Pass boy, born and raised, John had many friends who will miss his warm smile, gentle nature and generous heart.
John was predeceased by his father, Henry ‘Hank’ in 1995. He is survived by his mother, Annie Spatuk (nee Kanik); sisters Marianne Blythe of Whitehorse, YK, and Susan Swenson of Victoria, BC. He has left three loving children: Ian Spatuk (Brandie Matthews), Corrie Bubik (Peter Bubik), and Nicolas Spatuk (Sherri Spatuk), all of Blairmore. He was blessed with 5 grandbabies who will miss their Grandpa Spatuk as they grow up: Kai Coleman; Matthias, Nellie, and Tobias Bubik; and Nicole and Ashley Spatuk. He has left 4 nieces: Kate Petry of Lethbridge, AB, Brooke Blythe of Sexsmith, AB, Tanya and Natasha Puka of Calgary, AB. He had a special place in his heart for Shawn, Lisa, Teigen, and Kalisa Bates, who had ‘adopted’ him as Papa John, as well as his aunt Mary Flexhaug of Alix, AB. A private farewell gathering was held at the Blairmore Legion on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Donations in memory of the late John Spatuk may be directed to the Royal Canadian Legion in Blairmore or the Crowsnest Historical Society in Coleman.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel assisting the family.
Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.