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John Ivan Holota

October 13, 2006

John Ivan Holota will be deeply missed and richly remembered by his family, after passing away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2006 at MSA Hospital in Abbotsford. John was one of three children born to Mykyta Holota and Miirysea (Maria) Basarab on June 20, 1925 in Boberka, Ukraine. He left the small farming village near Turka at the start of World War II, and eventually made his way to Germany, where he met his wife-to-be, Jutta, who was from the Bavarian town of Schliersee. John and Jutta emigrated to Canada in 1951. John quickly established himself as a skilled welder, working with a number of companies including Horton Steel, Chicago Bridge and Dominion Bridge. His work in the petroleum industry and dam construction took him across Canada and around the world, including jobs in Kuwait and South Africa.

John and Jutta’s only child, Andrew, was born in 1957 in Chicoutimi, Quebec. The family moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia in 1963, living on a hobby farm on Gladwin Road and raising beef cattle while John continued in his trade until his retirement in 1983.

John is survived by his loving family – wife Jutta, son Andrew, beloved eight-year-old granddaughter Anna, and daughter-in-law Heidi. He is also survived by sister Fenia in the Ukraine, and other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister Anne. John leaves fond memories with his close neighbours, co-workers and friends, among them those who shared countless hours fishing on the Fraser and in various lakes across B.C. which, along with gardening, was his favourite pastime for many years throughout his retirement. John will be remembered by his family as a steadfast husband, a sure provider and dedicated father, a caring and kind steward of all animals, and a man who could be relied upon in all circumstances.

Donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.

He rests in love and respect.



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