KRYWIAK, John
- February 28, 2026
John Krywiak passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on February 28th, 2026.
A father, grandfather, brother, and lifelong educator, John dedicated his career to teaching. He believed deeply in the power of education and found purpose in helping others learn, grow, and succeed. He leaves behind generations of students whose lives were shaped by his guidance.
Outside of teaching, John loved tracking airplanes! watching them land and takeoff. He felt most at peace in the outdoors, where the quiet brought him comfort. He was deeply connected to the natural world and carried a strong spiritual presence.
John is remembered by his wife, Krystyna Starek, whose care and companionship supported him through his journey with dementia.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Alicia; his son, Thomas and daughter-in-law, Stephanie Rosen; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Annabelle and Scarlett.
Predeceased by his parents Onufry Krywiak and Maria Bakasia. He is survived by his brother, Michael, sister, Mary and her partner Clive Prideaux. John also leaves extended family, friends, colleagues, and many students whose lives he touched. Our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Lakeshore General Hospital for their patience and care. Thanks as well to Dr. Ianescu and staff of Chateau Dollard.
Condolences can be offered on the Voluntas Commemoration website. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas à Becket Parish. In lieu of flowers donations to the Welcome Hall Mission or Children’s Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
John often reminded us all “Don’t live in the past or look to the future. Live in the moment.”
Maria Krywiak-Gudzio
March 6, 2026 at 9:43 pmSincere condolences to John’s entire family, as we share in their sorrow at John’s passing! As his cousin, I have many fond, old memories of early family get-togethers, adventures & his love of learning – I will remember him at his best! May he rest in peace. With sympathy & affection, Marika Krywiak-Gudzio, husband Gerry & our family.
cher katsisaraken nolan
March 6, 2026 at 9:46 pmMy deepest sympathy to you all big hugs to my very good frend mike and Mary
Mike Krywiak
March 6, 2026 at 10:04 pmMay he rest in peace surrounded by lots of love . Try not to argue too much with Ma when you get there . Your brother Mike
Mike Krywiak
March 6, 2026 at 10:32 pmMay you rest in peace surrounded by lots of love . Your brother Mike
Grace Paquette
March 6, 2026 at 11:21 pmMy heartfelt condolences too Mike and Mary Krywiak and Clive Prideaux on the lose of your brother John ❤️he will be truly missed may he now rest in peace love ❤️ from your friend Gracie
Grace Paquette
March 8, 2026 at 12:09 amMy condolences to all who loved John he will be sadly missed
Frank Ruszczynski
March 7, 2026 at 12:14 pmA High School buddy for our 4 years @ LaSalle Catholic High…….use to drive 2 Montreal in his dad’s Chevrolet that occasionally conked out on the street. He always managed to get it going, thankfully because I suspect his Dad never knew if his exploit……
Lilianka Susnjar
March 7, 2026 at 12:26 pmBeing a long time friend of the Krywiak family since the age of 10 with Mary I didn’t know John since he was older but spent some time with him in his later years when i visited Mama K….we had several spiritual conversations…he was searching for inner peace…Happy travels John…you are now free to fly <3
Suzanne Alleyn
March 7, 2026 at 1:47 pmMy heartfelt condolances to all his family. John was a dear colleague at Centennial, and a good friend. He was a kind man, generous and a true philosopher. Rest in peace John.
Michelle Rolland Linke
March 7, 2026 at 2:53 pmTo Krystina, Alicia and Family With Deepest Sympathy, may John rest in peace ,Michelle
Nadia Calligaris
March 7, 2026 at 8:55 pmMy condolences to you Krystyna, Thomas and Alicia . His passing was peaceful , suffering ended. Take care of yourselves .
I am there for you Krystyna.
Henry
March 8, 2026 at 10:16 amDear Krysia, we are all very saddened to have heard of John’s recent passing. Sending you as well as all the members of the Krywiak and Starek families our deepest condolences during this mournful time. Be at rest John. ( on behalf of the Pardiak family )
Olga Gazdovic
March 8, 2026 at 11:05 pmMary ,Mike, my sincere sympathies on the passing of your brother John . Growing up with parents from the same village from Ukraine,you were all family by choice! And John was a wonderful big brother! May he rest in peace.
Guy Duchesne
March 9, 2026 at 9:11 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of your brother. My thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time. If you need anything or someone to talk to, I’m here for you. May John rest in peace.
Orysia Krywiak
March 10, 2026 at 9:26 pmDearest Mary , Mike , Krystyna and family ,
My deepest sympathies on the passing of John .
May he rest in peace , have quiet and love around him . Hugs , cousin Orysha xo
Rose Marie Sobol-Halperin
March 11, 2026 at 12:35 amTo John’s family and friends my heartfelt condolences on your great loss.I worked with John in the Special Education Dept.at C R H S. He was a very caring colleague and teacher. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Rest in peace.
Connie Savicevic
March 11, 2026 at 1:33 amDear krywiak family , saddened to hear of the loss of a great teacher , father , brother in law , and friend . Rest in peace . Sending love to the family .
Irene Perrault
March 11, 2026 at 10:33 amOur heavy-hearted condolences on the loss of ”Johnny” . Laughing memories of early childhood which seemed just yesterday. A special memory of his stand-in as chauffeur at our wedding. Life carried on … now may he rest in eternal peace.
Vichnaya pamyat. Irene Kurylyszyn and Roger Perrault.
Richard Harrison
March 11, 2026 at 7:46 pm“Gooch” and I, I mean John and I quickly became friends when I first came to Montreal in 1981. We were big time Habs fans and had many conversations about hockey. We also watched a lot of Habs games together over the years. I also remember one year, in December, going up north to the country cabin. There was a lot of snow. John, Mike, and I built a small rink outside on the road and played hockey. It was loads of fun and lots of laughter. One time in the summer, we were lucky enough to go again with John and Krystyna to swim in the beautiful lake. I even remember our holiday to Stowe, Vermont and Lake Placid in the USA with John and Krystyna. Again, we had a great time. In Stowe Vermont, we stayed at the iconic Stowehof Inn log cabin where they partially filmed a movie in 1981 called the Four Seasons directed by Allan Alda. It was a beautiful log cabin. One of the best holidays was when John, Krystyna, Alicia and Thomas came to visit Mary and me in White Rock, BC for a couple of weeks. We had a fabulous time. One of the highlites was going to the famous Whistler Ski Resort. Having John and family stay with us was a lot of fun. These are just a few of the wonderful memories of John.
I am so grateful for the many happy good times I had with him. John, I love you like my brother. Say hello to Ma and Tato. Rest in peace my friend.