JOHN MARK SABO

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of John Sabo. John passed away at Riverview Health Centre, with his loving Mother at his side after a short struggle with cancer at the age of 51.

John is survived by his five sons, Marshall (Merribeth), Dustin, Mitchell, Evan, and Ozzy; his mother Lorraine Nogue (Dale); his brothers, Robb (Jenn) and Dean (Jodi); his sister Carmella; and his many beloved nieces and nephews.

John Sabo was a father.  A son.  A brother.  An uncle.  A nephew.   A friend.  He was a lovable guy.

John never had it easy and he never took the easy path. What he did do was pursue his dreams and always try to be a better man.  Quick to make friends and to make an impression, John was always memorable.  He was fiercely loyal and deeply valued his friends and family.   

John grew up the eldest of four children. The kids didn’t always get along, but growing up John always had his sibling's backs. We didn’t have much growing up, but we had each other.   Mess with one, deal with us all. 

John was an incredibly proud father of 5 boys.  He was ever eager to tell everyone how wonderful each of those five boys are.  He may not have shared these feelings with his sons as often as with others, but they can rest assured that he was proud, and honoured to be their dad.  He was also intensely grateful for their support and loyalty over this summer.

John loved the simple things and loved to share his hobbies. Fishing with his boys (or his irritating brothers), good food, music, camping with his friends (i.e., Brodies) is how he made so many great memories.  Travelling to far off lands in search of fish and adventure added to those memories. 

John was an amazing chef.  After working in various restaurants and facilities, he ventured out on his own, establishing Prairie Harvest Restaurant in Crystal City, Manitoba. John was quick to share his knowledge and acted as mentor to many.   He loved to cook for his customers as well as for family and friends. His culinary skills were only surpassed by his generosity and hospitality.  For over 9 years, he embraced Crystal City, and the town embraced him in return.  John made many friends in town, and right until the end he considered it home. 

John spent many years involved with the Aquarium Society, serving as President for several years.  He made lifelong friends with this hobby.  John’s last pet fish were proudly displayed at his restaurant, in one of his logic-defying hand-crafted wooden aquariums. 

Anyone who truly knew John, knew that his humour and wit were an incredible tribute to his experiences, his struggles, his hardships, and his challenges.  This proved true until the end where many of his limited final words were spent on jokes. The rest of the words were spent on expressing gratitude and love to his friends and family. 

John’s legacy rests with his wonderful sons.  Each son reminds us of John in different ways.   Each one is a unique reflection of the best of John.

John's final reward is the enduring love, friendship, and respect of those who knew him. The outpouring of support and the countless well wishes and visits that he received these last two months made it easier for John to say goodbye. He did not want to go, but in his leaving he found peace. He left wanting us all to know that he loved us. 

The family would like to thank all the healthcare providers who saw him through his final months.  The doctors, nurses and staff at the HSC, Boundary Trails heath centre and Rock Lake Heath centre provided excellent care and support while hope persisted.  The staff at Cancer Care, The Palliative Care Program and Riverview Health Centre provided incredible comfort and caring support to John and his family after hope was gone. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to the palliative care unit at the Riverview Health Centre or to the Rock Lake Health Centre.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the Royal Canadian Legion #252 (426 Osborne Street, Winnipeg).

(Please note, drinks will be served, and the bar only accepts cash).

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John's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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