John Peter Peech

John Peter Peech, beloved husband of Alice Peech passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 in Neepawa, Manitoba at the age of 98 years.

It is with great sorrow that our family announces the peaceful passing of their dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Peech, at age 98, on August 21, 2019, with his family by his side. He passed away at the Neepawa District Health Centre. Dad was born at Seech, Manitoba to Peter and Martha Peech. He was the seventh child and was the last surviving member of 11 siblings. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Alice, of 71 years, daughters Olia (Ron) Jesson, Glennis (Murray) Black, David and (Joanne) Peech, Darlene (Robert) Zurbyk. Also, survived by grandchildren Terah (Mike) McClain, Leah (Glenn) Miller, Alicia (Trevor) Dowd, Tom (Carissa) Black, Braden Zurbyk, Jonathan (Erin) Peech, Reiss Zurbyk, Kayla (Tyson) Gillis. He is also fondly remembered by eight great grandchildren, Cole Miller, Jaidyn McClain, Greg Miller, Evan McClain, Brielle Dowd, Miles Miller, Jasper McClain and Jase Peech. Dad’s childhood came with hardships and many responsibilities. When he was six years old, he did start school, however, he only made it to the seventh grade before he had to quit. His father passed away at an early age, leaving Baba Martha responsible for a family and business during the difficult 1930’s, when life was impoverished and very difficult. Fortunately, Dad, as well as all his siblings, had a gift for music. At age 15, he started his own orchestra with two brothers. He played the fiddle. The small amount they received for playing at three day Ukrainian weddings and barn dances helped supplement the family income. It was at Seech where he met his soul mate, Alice Hrytsak. She was a permit teacher and boarded at the Peech residence that year. They were married on July 17, 1948. They first farmed on the Peech homestead at Seech and later moved to the Hrytsak homestead, at Oakburn, where they operated a mixed farm until 1988. Upon retirement, they moved to Neepawa. Dad was a man of many talents. He was self taught, an avid reader, a musician, a carpenter, a plumber, a mechanic and electrician. He was frugal. Everything was saved and recycled. Nothing was thrown out. His greatest accomplishment was the building of 4 sets of Tsymbaly, a grandfather clock and a baby cradle. Dad was a man of incredible faith, which he instilled in his children. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his entire family. His greatest joy was to have everyone at their home eating, playing music and visiting. Funeral service was held August 26, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Neepawa, MB. Officiating were Fr. Emil Kardasinec, Fr. Mark Filips and Fr. Art Seamon with interment at Neepawa Riverside Cemetery.

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