John Paul Skoczylas June 15, 1925 - November 12, 2013 On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, John Skoczylas, late of Estevan, and formerly of North Portal, passed away at the age of 88 years. But greater than the sorrow of your death, is the joy that we have knowing that you are now resting peacefully and once again reunited with Grandma. Just as the two of you guided your children and grandchildren through life, you will be happy to know that your wisdom, family values, and love will be passed to our children and grandchildren. John will be forever remembered by his children, Jo-Anne McKimm (Douglas Yee), Paulette (Bryan) Makowski, Wesley (Brenda) Skoczylas, Timothy (Shannon) Skoczylas, and Greg (Brenda) Skoczylas; grandchildren, Joan, Paul, Jennifer, Tyler, Christy, Colleen, Renea, Natasha, Tanya, Rachele, Nick, Kyle, and Dayna; 15 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Ione Vollet, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia; parents, Michael and Magdalena; sisters, Annie, twins, Madeline and Frances, and Mary in infancy; grandson Austin in infancy and great granddaughter Aurora in infancy. Prayers were held on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass followed on Friday, November 15, 2013, at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Estevan, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev Brian Meredith officiating. Interment followed in the Portal R.C. Cemetery, Portal, North Dakota. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Portal R.C. Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice in memory of John. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. Thank you The family of John Skoczylas would like to sincerely thank all the family and friends who came to share their memories and love for our dad, grandfather and great-grandfather during prayers and mass. It was an important celebration of his life. We appreciated all gestures of sympathy, cards, phone calls, e-mails, prayers, masses, memorial candles, angel tree memorials, flowers, food and all donations including Portal R. C. Cemetery Fund. Deep gratitude to Dr.Tsoi, nurses, technicians, and entire staff in Long Term Care for their professionalism and compassion bestowed upon John during his time of need at St. Joseph's Hospital. Our deep appreciation to Doug Third for the Prayer Service and Nick and Deborah Skoczylas for guitar, piano, as well as beautiful singing. Family members extend deep gratitude to Father Brian Meredith for the beautiful mass, prayers, hospital visits, and guidance. A special thank-you to all servers, church members, Laura Baryluk, the choir, organist, and the Knights of Columbus. Thank-you to Dustin Hall for playing and singing Amazing Grace. This song has touched our hearts because John loved music and instruments of all kinds. Thank-you to the grandchildren Colleen Durr, and Renea, Tanya and Nick Skoczylas for carrying the gifts of Communion, and to Joan Hinton and Christy Burnett for doing an incredible job on the eulogy. A special mention to Bonnie Pukas and Jean Altringer for readings. Thank-you to Nick and Deborah for the Intercessions. Our hearts go out to the Pallbearers and friends of John, Charles Altringer ( Portal R. C. Church), Warren Fair (Extended Family), Redge Nelson (Relative), Greg Arnott (Canada Customs), Andrew Pukas (N. P. Legion), and Ross Dunbar (N. P. Legion). We would like to thank Jeff, Shirley, and Staff of Hall Funeral Services. Your professionalism and distinct patience was appreciated beyond words. The ladies from our unique international community outdid themselves and provided us with a delicious lunch after the funeral. We could not have survived the day without the wonderful soup. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
