John Stephen Soychak left us peacefully with his son John by his side Monday December 30, 2024. John was born June 26, 1936 to Rose and John Sojcak in Fort William, Ontario.
John’s early life was spent in the East End of Fort William where he attended St. Peter’s school and was an altar boy for St Peter’s Church. Summers were about swimming at their ‘private’ neighbourhood beach on McKellar Island. Winters were about playing hockey on the Kaministiquia or the road using frozen horse pucks. This eventually led to a more serious interest in the game and John continued on to play, setting his sights on the Montreal Canadiens. He played in the QHL and IHL for the Montreal Royals and Cincinnati Mohawks while attending training camp but never managed to secure his seat on the bench. Faced with the player challenges and low earnings of the time, he hung up his skates and returned to work at Canada Steamship Lines in Fort William. He met a beautiful bank teller, Marlene Humphrey of Vickers Heights, and they were married in January of 1964. John took on a role for the City of Thunder Bay Parks Division and was still around the hockey surface in winters working at St Martin’s rink where many young kids in the area honed their skills. He remained with the City until retirement.
The cottage at Cloud Lake was John and Marlene’s favourite place during the summer. His putting green and visiting with dear friends they made at Cloud Lake passed the time until winter when cruise ships and Tucson kept them warm. Both winters and summers were also a time to watch grand children play hockey; all 5 of them played competitively.
John was a strong determined and possibly even a bit of a stubborn man. He kept to his word, good or bad. When Marlene became ill and had to be in a care home, John was there every day. It was difficult to ever convince him otherwise. He was truly a part of her care. When she left us, he was never the same. And he did not want to leave his home. The same home where his sons were born and he lived his life with Marlene. Eventually he required care and ended in the Cedar wing at Hogarth in September. The staff were truly amazing in their care and support to us. They were truly his angels on earth. Thank you.
John was predeceased by his parents John (1978) and Rose (1987) sister Anne Mores (2018) and wife Marlene in September 2021.
John is survived by his son John (Leejah) Soychak and their children Landon (Amber) and John Paul; son Stephen (Lori) Soychak and their children Aliya, Jayden and Kye. John also leaves his close nephews and nieces: John Mores, Maryanne Mores, Mike Mores, Kathy Berg and Frank Mores.
Visitation will be Monday, January 6th, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Westfort Chapel (prayers at 7:00), 420 Gore Street West.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 10:00am at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church 615 Connolly Street. Interment will be at Mountainview Cemetery with immediate family attending. The family would like you to join us for a luncheon at a location to be shared at the conclusion of the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
