VINEK: Lloyd Johnny Vinek (John) passed away peacefully on Sunday July 13, 2025 at the age of 81 in the St.Paul’s Hosiptal in Saskatoon, SK after a hard fought battle with cancer.
John was born on Christmas Day in 1943. He grew up as the middle child in a family of 7 children, on a farm outside a small town called Big Beaver in southern Saskatchewan. His parents were farmers, and it was tough making a “go” of it in those days with poor land and the unforgiving weather. When John was 16, his father, Hans (an Austrian immigrant), passed away from a heart attack, and he had to take over running the farm as he was the oldest son still living at home. From his parents, he inherited an incredible work ethic, strong values, and perseverance through any situation.
John left home at 18 with only a suitcase and $20.00. He entered the Credit Union system, working hard and being given opportunities and promotions in fast succession. He worked 37 years in the Credit Union system, (including serving on the SK Credit Union Central board), the majority spent as the General Manager of the Lloydminster Savings and Credit Union. He made many friends throughout those 37 years and was widely known and respected throughout Credit Unions in Saskatchewan. John retired from the Credit Union in 1999. But he never truly retired. He liked to keep busy and had several rental properties he managed. He always considered himself a farmer at heart and owned farmland across Saskatchewan that he rented out to farmers. He loved cultivating these relationships, often making trips to visit them, talking about the weather, rainfall, grain prices, and all the current happenings in each other’s lives.
In 1965, John met Rose Brodzki at the Lloydminster Credit Union when she came in to open a savings account. He was so smitten, it took him several tries to get her paperwork right. The two were married in 1966 and had a beautiful life together over the next 59 years. They raised 4 children, Vanessa, Jonathan, Jeremy and Marina, and later became grandparents to 7 grandchildren. He treasured every moment spent with them especially playing cards and teaching them all to play his favorite game, Kaiser.
John was someone who loved to have a good time. Some might call him an extreme extrovert. He was always the life of the party and had no problem introducing himself to every one in the room. He loved country music and especially dancing. It was a priority to attend country music jamborees and he had a group of friends that he would meet up with every year to dance the nights away. His presence and infectious energy will surely be missed by all.
John and Rose loved to visit family, spending so many holidays driving to visit their kids, grandkids, extended family, and friends living across the prairie provinces. Summers were spent at the cabin at Turtle Lake, SK, hosting family and friends, boating, visiting around campfires and playing cards. For many years, they had a place in Arizona where they easily became part of the community making new friends and cherished memories.
John was always a fighter and would lead any cause he believed in. Even despite his cancer diagnosis, his first words were “I think I can beat this”. And beat it he did for so long. He did not let his diagnosis tame his spirit or bring him down. Instead he sprung into action, doing everything possible to keep himself going for as long as he could. This was the type of man he was, someone who never gave up.
John was a man that was larger than life. A true one of a kind and we are so lucky to have had him in our lives. An amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by all.
John is survived by: his loving wife of 58 years, Rose Vinek; children, Vanessa (Jason) Rakochy, Jonathan (Angela) Vinek, Jeremy (Darcie) Vinek and Marina Vinek (Arden Churn); 7 grandchildren, Julian Rakochy, Jack Rakochy, Khloe Vinek, Kori Vinek, Natasha Churn , Jesse Churn and Alexander Churn; sisters, Ileien Boyachek and Doreen (Wally) Musial; brother, Wayne Vinek; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
John was predeceased by: his parents, Hans and Myrtle; brother, Richard Vinek; and sisters, Sandra Johnson and Viola Hillier; and step-father, John Cummings.
The Funeral Service was conducted from WLS Convention Centre, Lloydminster, SK on August 1, 2025, at 10:30. If you were unable to attend in person, you may view the live streaming of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under John’s obituary.
Donations in memory of John may be made to Grace United Church, Canadian Cancer Society or donor’s charity of choice.
McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.
Card of Thanks
The Vinek family would like to thank all those who showed their support.
