Obituary of John Richard Lendvoy

JOHN RICHARD LENDVOY September 4, 1934 January 25, 2013 Oh, how we loved our Dad, our Papa,? and how we will miss him! Our Papa, John Richard Lendvoy, died at the age of 78 on January 25, 2013, in Regina, from a rare cancerous tumour. Our Dad was rare? all right: He had to get a type of cancer that couldnt be treated. He was exceptional in every other manner. He was the epitome of humility, honesty, and hard work. Papa was born September 4, 1934, on 10-27-15-2, the family farm four miles south of Lestock, SK. After graduating Lestock High School, he completed a two-year Vocational Agriculture Diploma at the University of Saskatoon in 1954. Who would have known that our Papa, who was quite shy and stuttered in his youth, would win numerous awards at University including essay and editorial writing awards, and a radio announcing award. He would eventually become known as a fast talker.? It was 1959 when he married his high school sweetheart, Ivadelle Campbell, and they raised three children, born 1961, 1964 and 1965. Papa spent 56 years in the oil patch. It all began in 1956 in Estevan, SK, at Continental Supply. He was transferred to Calgary and Drayton Valley, and then back to Estevan in 1966 as Manager of Continental Emsco (LTV Energy) for 20 years, employing five to fourteen employees as the oil patch went from boom to bust to boom. However, Papa always loved the land and found that you can take the boy from the farm, but not the farm from the boy.? While working his very full-time job, Papa bought some land near Lestock and farmed with his Dad on weekends and vacation time. No rest for the wicked,? Papa always said. Papa worked a stint with Westlund Industrial and National Oilwell, and then was hired by Ampscott (Weatherford) to sell pumping units in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where he worked for 18 years. He only retired in April 2012 when he learned he was sick. Papa loved to talk to people and constantly received phone calls from friends and cohorts who often were seeking sound advice or an off-coloured joke; both were always on the tip of Papas tongue. Papa was a pin up? boy, being on the cover of Oilweek in the early eighties for selling the millionth C-66 engine. He received a Nexen Vendor Award in 2000, and was inducted into the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame as Oilman of the Year? in 2001 for providing outstanding contribution to the petroleum oil industry. Papa even got a job offer when he was 77 years old! Papa was not full of pomp and circumstance - he downplayed every one of his life achievements. Papa and Mom (Gogo) moved eighteen times, living in Regina twice, on an acreage near Craven, Buena Vista, and then Regina again. They are known for their landscaping abilities, creating the most beautiful yards wherever they lived. Eventually, Papa and Gogo enjoyed some holiday time, travelling with us kids on Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises, to Cabo San Lucas, Dominican Republic, Cuba, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. Papa loved people, he loved to learn, to tell stories about growing up on the farm and about the characters he met throughout his lifetime working in the oilfield, he loved life, his family, and talking politics. First and foremost for Papa was the family. Our Papa looked after us and we are so proud of him. He was generous, dignified, humble, reasonable, and full of quick wit and humour to the very end. Thank you Papa! Papa was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and John W. Lendvoy. He is survived by his wife, Ivadelle Lendvoy; his children, Karen (Doug) Neis and grandson, Brandon (Sylvia); Janice (Vince) Parent and grandsons, Sampson and Nick; John D. (Cathy) Lendvoy and grandsons, John C. and Jacob; his sisters, Hilda Takacs, Elma Lazar, and Doreen (Stan) Granatier; and numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family. Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Queen of All Hearts Roman Catholic Church in Lestock, SK, on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. The interment will take place at St. Josephs Cemetery, Lestock, SK, at a future date. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Gruszczynski and Dr. Liskowich, the home care nurses, and the staff at the Palliative Care Unit of the Pasqua Hospital for their very personal care. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to Regina Palliative Care Inc., 4F 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 1A5. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com