Mar 12, 1930 - Oct 16, 2017
John Bychyk
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of John at age 87.
John peacefully passed away at Ridge Meadows Hospital with his daughter Sandra present.
Survived by his daughters, Sandra and Diana, grandchildren, Laura, Ashley, Kris, Ryan, Angela, Michael and Michelle, great grandchildren and dear friends Dave & Elsie, Bert, Kelly, Karen, and many more friends in the 100 Mile House area.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, in 1961; Children Gary and Virginia, parents Mary and John, brothers Bill, Harry and Peter.
John was a long time resident of Lone Butte. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. John was a brilliant mechanic and inventor, who, as a child, much to his parents dismay, took apart everything just to find out how things worked.
John lost his right hand at age 16 in a mill accident, but he never felt sorry for himself and never let it stop him. John learned to do everything with one hand, and he went on to build, weld and repair countless cars, engines, tractors, motorcycles and boats for several decades after. When anyone asked how he lost his his hand, John enjoyed pretending it involved a crocodile and enjoyed people's reactions, as he never lost his playful sense of humor, right up until the end.
John loved cars and street raced in Vancouver in the 1940's, as well as motorcycles and had Harley's, Norton's and Indian Chiefs. Back then, the PNE grounds had a motorcycle club with a track, and John said it was a great place to learn how fast you could go and how good you were, and that the guys there were a great group of fellas.
He always loved animals, especially dogs, and he really loved living in Lone Butte because of the wildlife, the freedom, and the peacefulness of the area, and recently said he appreciated the many fond memories of the wonderful people and friendships he had developed over the 29 years that he lived there.
John requested cremation and a private family gathering, which was held in his honor on Sunday, October 29, 2017.
May you rest well, John. You will forever be held dear in our hearts, in our thoughts, and in the beautiful memories we have shared and will cherish, always.