JOHN JOSEPH POLSON

It’s with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of John Polson on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

John will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Cathy; their children, Melissa (Scott) Gibson, Jonathan (Leah) Polson; and grandsons, Arthur, Henry, and Roy. Also left to mourn his passing are siblings, Danny Polson, Emily Funk, Jennie Brown, Olga Fedoruk, and many nephews and nieces. John was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Joseph; brother, Bill “Hunchy”; sister, Della (Billy); brother-in-law, Donald Fedoruk; brother, Peter (Charlene); and brother, Jerry (Louise).

John was born on October 25th, 1948, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the youngest of nine siblings in their close-knit family and always cherished the many fond memories he had of growing up in their small but loving home on Redwood Avenue. Fortunately, through family sacrifices, John was able to attend school where he achieved a degree in business, which started his career as a purchasing agent. John was very hard-working and took pride in customer relations. He worked well beyond retirement, enjoying the conversations with those he met while working as a shuttle driver for Jim Gauthier’s.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Cathy, of 43 years. They shared many adventures and dreams together. They met one evening at a social event held at Prosvita Hall, the hall where they held their own wedding social five years later. Together, they made a warm and welcoming home, where they held frequent family gatherings filled with an abundance of food, laughter, and joy. Weekend breakfasts with friends and family, summers spent in their backyard pool, and nights rocking to live music on Corydon Avenue were among the activities they enjoyed together. John looked forward to a future filled with travel and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Anyone fortunate enough to know John understood the immense pride he held for his children and grandchildren. He spoke of them in the highest regard. To him, being a Gigi was his greatest accomplishment. He delighted in preparing special homemade meals for them, including his chili, pierogies, and borscht. Whether it was playdates with Roy or taking Arthur and Henry to Selkirk Water Park, John was always involved, creating memories that his grandsons will treasure forever.

In remembering John, his kindness and selflessness have left a lasting impression on all who had the honour of knowing him. He had a special gift of making instant connections with everyone he met. Whether it was at the local hockey rink or the grocery store, he always found someone to talk with. He also had an innate ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated, always putting the well-being of others before his own. John’s legacy is one of love and generosity, and his spirit will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

His family would like to extend their immense gratitude to Dr. Michael Troncone and his vascular team, as well as the ICMS and Step-Down Unit staff at St. Boniface Hospital for all of the excellent care that John received.

A celebration in honour of John’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Bladder Cancer Canada (https://bladdercancercanada.org).

WHEN I GO

When I go

don’t learn to live without me,

just learn to live with my love

in a different way.

And if you need to see me

close your eyes

or look in your shadow

when the sun shines

I’m there.

Sit with me in the quiet and you will know

that I did not leave.

There is no leaving

when a soul is blended with another.

When I go

don’t learn to live without me

just learn to look for me in the moments

I will be there.

- Donna Ashworth

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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