Obituary of John Jack Bernard O'Hara

OHARA, JOHN (JACK) It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather John Bernard OHara of Regina on Monday, January 5, 2009 at the age of 91 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Catherine (Kay), son Brian (Aldryth) of Sequim, Washington, daughter Marleen (Rod) McDonald of Regina, Brians family Nathanael (Nicole) and their daughter Juliette, Drew (Jennifer), Shane (Mary Rose) and Alanna. Marleens family, Shaulyn King (Andr van Baaren), Christin King and her daughter Ashlyn, Rhonda and Gregg Engele and their daughters Riley (Richie) and Shelby, Rod Jr. (Stacey) and her daughter Jordan, Jacks sister Olive and numerous nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law. Jack was preceded by his parents Bernard and Catherine OHara, sister Rita and husband Bill Woodard, brother Joseph and wife Dorothy OHara and brother-in-law Raymond Dionne. Jack was born on the family farm in Ceylon, SK on October 19, 1917. He farmed until his enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. He served our country overseas from 1943-1945, the last 18 months as a P.O.W. Upon his return he gained employment at Canada Post where for 18 years sorted mail on rail cars between Regina and Winnipeg. When mail transport changed over to trucks in 1963, Jack moved inside to work until he retired in 1976. He married Catherine Burkart of Holdfast on November 27, 1952. He enjoyed sports, loved to golf and always kept abreast of world news and local weather. Jack was a very generous man with his time, talent and treasure, always helping wherever needed. In 2006 Jack celebrated with pride the 100th anniversary of the family farm by being the second of four generations to own the land. However, Jacks greatest pride and joy was his family. He was our biggest cheerleader! He always encouraged and supported his children and grandchildren in their interests and endeavors, for which we will be forever grateful! The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of 4-A at the Pasqua Hospital for the wonderful care given to Jack in his last month of life. A CELEBRATION of Jacks life and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 917 Albert Street, Regina S4R 2P6. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com