December 27, 1933 – February 18, 2024
On Monday, February 18, 2024, John Soke, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully at the age of 90. John Arthur Soke was born December 27, 1933, in Saltcoats, SK. After an adventurous childhood on the farm with his parents and seven siblings, he moved to Winnipeg, where he met, and then married, Deanne Park on June 15, 1957. Together they raised four daughters: Jodie, Kathy, Sandra, and Donna in Selkirk, MB.
A devoted family man, his home with Deanne was a busy and constant destination for his children, grandchildren, their partners, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and numerous friends. John will be remembered for his many adventurous and creative passions including hunting, fishing, woodworking, and sharing stories with family and friends. Compassionate, honest, and generous, he enjoyed deep friendships. John and Deanne enjoyed the many years in Selkirk including time with beloved neighbours and friends at the Selkirk Volunteer Firefighters Association. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The family thanks the loving staff at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg.
John mourned the death of his loving wife Deanne Soke almost one year ago. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Benjamin and Mary Soke, his stepmother Anna Soke and his 6 older brothers and sisters. He is survived by his sister Sylvia Ewacka, sister-in law Elva Soke, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carolee and Rene Hogue, brother-in-law Ken Park, and his best friend Gerry Clarke. John often reminisced about his brothers and sisters. “Uncle John” always enjoyed talking and visiting with his cherished nephews and nieces. His family treasures his love, memories, and hilarious stories: Jodie, Merv, Tammy, Corey, Chayse, JC, Bryce, Emily, Brody, Oliver, Dayna, Alex, Arizona, Matilda, Kathy, Kym, Stacey, Sandra, Allyssa, Cole, Latitia, Kaiya, Jonny, Willow, Donna, Ben, Seth, Milo, and his nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on John’s memorial page using the comment field below.
My heartfelt condolences to all of your family. My Husband, Doug McDermot, worked for John in the heating business in Selkirk. We lived just up the street from you on Strathnaver. Doug learned many new things from John and your Dad would have been proud that Doug took that knowledge and started his own business. We have many great memories of your family and extended family. What a wonderful life you Dad had. Prayers and hugs coming your way.
UNCLE JOHN WAS A FINE MAN. I WAS FOTUNATE TO VISIT HIM IN THE SUMMER OF 2010. WE TOOK A RIP TO YORKTON TOGETHER AND STAYED WITH GREG AND HIS WIFE.
WE ALSO WENT TO THE CEMETARY IN BREDENBURY, SO, HE COULD PAY HIS RESPECTS
TO HIS BROTHER BILL.
HE WAS VERY FOND OF HIS CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND HIS MANY GREATGRAND CHILDREN.
I TOOK SOME WOOD OUT TO HIM, CHERRY PANELS, THAT HIS GRANDDAUGHTERS USED TO MAKE THEIR OWN FURNITURE. MY BROTHER GARRY AND MY SISTER VALERIE WILL ALSO MISS HIM.
AGAIN, WE WILL MISS UNCLE JOHN AND AUNTIE DEANNE
YOUR COUSIN RONNIE
My condolences to the family
John was a great person sadly missed never forgotten
Rick McMillan (retired) Lennox Industries
I enjoyed John’s friendship in Selkirk and our hunting trips to Spy Hill Saskatchewan. I only knew his one daughter Jody, who I worked with in Selkirk.