John Paul Persick

A prayer vigil for the late John Persick of Yorkton will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 8:00 pm from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 2:00 pm from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church. Interment to follow in the Yorkton City Cemetery.Friends may make Mass Offerings in John's name or donations to a charity of their choice as tokens of remembrance.John Paul Persick was born on March 27, 1921, on a farm between Kenaston and Bladworth, Saskatchewan. He was the son of Mary Spolarich and George Persick. John was only 14 when he had to leave school to take over the family farm when his father's Parkinson's disease progressed to the point where George could no longer work. Eventually the farm was sold, so John loaded up his team of horses and rode the train to Rokeby, where he found work on another farm. Shortly after his arrival, John's parents joined him in Rokeby, though his father passed away soon afterwards. It was in Rokeby that John met the love of his life- Veronica (Nonnie) Rice, and the two were married on May 14, 1949. When John quit farming, the family- Johnny, Nonnie, and Mucky - relocated to Yorkton where John worked at a number of different jobs. He drove a truck, hauled coal and gravel, and collected garbage. In 1968, John took a caretaking job at St. Alphonsus School, where he remained for the next 18 years until his retirement in 1986. He was especially proud of the year that there were 3 generations of Persicks at St. Al's- Paul, Leroy, and Mark. In 1954, John and Veronica were blessed with their only child, Leroy. While Veronica and Leroy were in the hospital, John and Mucky purchased a house on Dracup, where the family continued to live for 40 years. In 1994, John and Nonnie moved to 245- 6th Ave N, where they continued to enjoy retirement and their new neighbors. In November 2000, Nonnie passed away and John lost his best friend. John was very independent and insisted on staying in his own home as long as he was able. He continued living in his home until 3 days before his passing. John was an avid bowler, and still has the trophies to prove it. He also loved fishing, and could be found most weekends with his wife, son, and friends on the water. His best fishing buddy turned out to be his grandson, Mark, and their good natured rivalry over top fisherman continued for many years. John was a great dad and grandfather, and spent many hours at the rink, football field or baseball diamond, first cheering for Leroy, and later, for his grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy. He shared in their interests and accomplishments by spending many hours attending cadet, hockey and school activities, and teaching them how to fish. John was predeceased by his parents, infant twin siblings, and his wife, Veronica. He leaves to celebrate his life, son, Leroy and his wife, Sandy (Stakiw) Persick; and their children, Mark Persick, Erin (Mark) MacPherson, Jill (Adam) McDowell, and Christy Persick.

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