JOHANNES " JOHN" SCHIMANSKI passed away at his home at Roberts Creek, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, B.C. on Sunday, May 15th, 2016 at the age of 62 years.

John was predeceased by his parents Herman and Marianne Schimanski, brothers Hank (Liane), Horst (Eva-Gene), Herman Jr., sisters Ursula (Franz-Josef) Op De Laak, Barbara (Horst) Kipnik, Ingrid (Reinhold) Gron, Doris (Steve) Gfrerer, sister-in-law Diane (Gary) Shimanski, brothers-in-law Horst Kipnik and Reinhold Gron, nephew Jim Hillyer Jr. and great-nephew Mathew Kipnik and beloved dog Tia.

John is survived by Gary (Ellie) Schimanski of Lethbridge, Ellen (Joe) Gfrerer of Coleman, Rose Wenzel of Lethbridge, Marianne (Jim Sr.) Hillyer of Stirling, and Brigitte (Ron) Van Dyk of Lethbridge and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was known to many as "Jon-Jon", Hanzel, Old Boot & Johnny.

John was born on October 1, 1953 at St. Michael's Hospital in Lethbridge, and grew up on the family farm in Picture Butte. As well as farming, he worked on the oil fields in northern Alberta and eventually became the Parks and Recreation Manager for the town of Coaldale. He retired to the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia with his brother Herman and their faithful dog, Tia, in September 2014. He loved the mountains, forest and ocean just as well as the prairie of southern Alberta as a compassionate, thoughtful and honourable man who loved his family, animal companions, and nature. We will always remember him.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Ian Gagne, Celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4K7