John Drobot

DROBOT, John

It is with sadness that John Drobot’s family announces the peaceful passing of their father and grandfather at the Red Deer Hospice in Red Deer, AB on Saturday, September 17, 2016 with family at his side. John had just celebrated his 98th birthday.

John will always be remembered by his daughter, Corinne Johns-Sawyer (Dave) of Lacombe; grandsons, Mark Johns (Wendy) of Camrose and Cory Johns (Cherie) of Rimbey; his two great grandchildren, Cody and Chelsey Johns of Rimbey; sisters, Margaret Thompson and Kay Nygard; brothers, Bill Drobot (Ruth), Dennis Drobot (Maureen); numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Margo from Occupational Therapy and George from Lacombe Lodge.

John was predeceased by his dedicated and loving wife, Ada Louise in 2007; his eldest daughter, Grace Sharolyn in 1999; and by his sisters Leni, Anne, Mary, and Helen.

John was born on a Saskatchewan farm near Buchanan, and at an early age moved to Young, SK where he was educated thru grade 12. His work ethic started at an early age in grade 8 by working on a farm fetching and milking cows. John had to be there by 5 a.m. and then get to school and then back to milk at 5 p.m. earning a good wage in the 1930’s of $12.00 a month. He also gathered up and sold scrap iron in order to buy his first bike. During high school, he worked in a general store in Young and then managed the store in Zelma, SK after graduating from grade 12.

It was in the fall of 1938 that he met a local teacher in Zelma. John and Ada were married in 1941 and bought the store in 1942. John was active in the Zelma United Church and numerous community activities. He was the paymaster for the 3 elevators often with over $25,00.00 on hand and he became the banker for the community. In 1961 the store was sold and the Drobots moved to Saskatoon. They joined St. Martins United Church and this became an important spiritual part of John and Ada’s life for the next 41 years as well as meeting lifelong friends. John became a realtor for the next 23 years, gaining many faithful clients and friends. John became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon for over 34 years with perfect attendance. A feature article in the Feb. 2, 2002 issue of the Saskatoon Sun stated “John Drobot was committed to the same volunteer job for as long as some people spend in their careers”!

John was untiring in his support and commitment to the mentally and physically challenged and to the elderly in nursing homes. He founded a Kiwanis woodworking program that ran for over 30 years. This was an occupational therapy program which served over 35 nursing homes, hospitals, CNIB, disability students and others in Saskatoon. He was the administrator, purchasing agent, supply agent, sales manager, shop boss and scrounger that kept all the volunteers going as well as becoming lifelong friends. In 1983, John was president of the “K” Club of Saskatoon and was a delegate to the first ever International Convention held out of North America in Vienna, Austria. At this conference, a mentally handicapped band from Oslo, Norway performed and received standing ovations. John was very impressed and decided then and there that Saskatoon could produce a band of this nature. Upon John and Ada’s return to Saskatoon he set out with his usual determination to make it happen. In 1984 after many meetings the Kiwanis-Cosmo band became a reality. John could not carry a tune. The 50 -member band still performs around the province today. John said “Words just can’t describe it; it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences in my whole life.”

John and Ada did a lot of traveling across the world with K clubs in Canada, U.S.A. Europe and Hong Kong. He was chosen Kiwanian of the year in l981, granted a life membership in 1995. Ada was his support through all his endeavors. John and Ada together started a recycle program (at McLure Place) and received recognition from the city for their endeavors. He has instilled the recycle lifestyle into his family.

In October of 2005, John and Ada moved to Lacombe, Alberta to be close to their daughter and her family for support as they aged. Royal Oak became their next home. Being in their late 80’s this move was definitely a challenge for them. They became part of the congregation of St. Andrews United Church as soon as they arrived. In the fall of 2006 Ada was admitted to the Lacombe Extended Care Facility and passed in 2007. While visiting Ada in the Extended Care Centre, John became involved in their occupational therapy wood working program. John continued well into his 90’s cutting out wood patterns for the residents to sand and paint. He volunteered their twice a week to help the “old people”. John also volunteered once a week at the Lacombe Food Bank calling on his skills from his general store days. He still found time in his 90’s to join the group at the Golf Course and Cozy Corner to keep his mind alert by playing bridge. John remained at Royal Oak living as independently as he could and determined to ‘live to the full’ despite significant health challenges. He continued to make his specialty ‘macaroni and cheese’ for his family and guests until the summer of 2015 when he was diagnosed with cancer. John’s ability to bear the challenges of life was inspirational to not only his family but to all who met him.

A brief Memorial to John’s life will be held at St. Andrews United Church, 5226 – 51 Avenue, Lacombe, AB as part of the regular church service on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 10:30 am. An inurnment will be done in the summer of 2017 in Saskatchewan.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. K Smit who gave John not only care and compassion but also support to John’s family. Thank you to everyone that visited and cared for John in the last year of his life. A special thank you to Reverend Ross Smilie and Therese Thompson for their last visit with John at the Red Deer Hospice.

In lieu of flowers and cards, donations may be made in John’s memory to:
St. Andrews United Church, 5226 – 51 Avenue, Lacombe, AB; T4L 1J6;
St. Martin’s United Church, 2617 Clarence Ave. S. Saskatoon, SK, S7J 1M5;
Saskatoon Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box, 8403 Saskatoon, SK, S7K 6C7;
or the charity of your choice.