John Leon Istace

John Leon - born Feb. 23, 1940 - at his McMillan grandparents’ farm. He was the oldest child of Constant and Anne Istace and grew up on the Istace family farm that he presently owns. He attended school at Saffordea. He married Jean Thompson on August 3, 1963   In 1967 they moved to the Spy Hill, SK area where they have remained.

They had two children: Wayne and Donna. Over the years John has had a variety of jobs, including: farming with his dad, working for CNR, Dept. of Natural Resources at Kenosee Lake, the sawmill also at Kenosee Lake, moving buildings, Construction and Production at the potash mines near Esterhazy and Rocanville, the nickel mine at Thompson, MB. But his longest and happiest career was with PFRA Community Pastures – first as a rider for three summers, and then as a manager for 39 years.  John retired in 2012.

He has also been known for buying, selling, breaking, and training horses. Livestock has always been an important part of John's life. Family summer entertainment was following the rodeo and chuckwagon circuits to cheer on their many friends. John will always be remembered for his little jokes and pranks that he loved to play on everyone. 

He was predeceased by his parents Constant and Anne Istace, his son Wayne, his infant brother Fred, his sister Christena Slykhuis, brother-in-law Ivan, their infant son James, and infant great granddaughter Chloe Moore.

Leaving behind his wife Jean, daughter Donna (David) Deschambault, Grandkids Monique (Ross) Priestley- Callum, Myelle and Willen, Sarah Deschambault - Nicole, Carmelle (Travis) Moore - Owen and Evan, Danielle (Laine) Bonchuk -Bentley, Jessie and Beau, Damien (Paulette) Deschambault - Noah, Leo and Nicolas, Brady (Kali) Istace - Aubree, Tucker and Bexley, Sisters Eileen (Emile) Laronge, Jeannette (John) Gall, and several nieces and nephews.