John Ivan Lizacich

John Lizacich (given name of Ivan Lizacic) of Esterhazy, SK passed away on September 25, 2025, at the Yorkton District Nursing Home at the age of 96. He was born in Kesinci, Croatia on October 10, 1928, to parents Pavo Lizacic and Marija Kecinovic. John was predeceased by his parents and older sister. 

In his early youth, John enjoyed spending time in the village Vuka, Croatia with his grandfather and Kecinovic relatives.  At the age of 14, John left Croatia to find work at factories in Austria and Germany.  It was here that he began his welding career.  On May 9, 1948, John left Germany aboard the SS Marine Jumper in search of a better life in Canada. He arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax without a penny and although he could converse in many languages, English was not one of them.  So, with his grade 8 education but strong work ethic, John carved out a new life for himself.  He found work building a hospital in Toronto, then as a welder for International Steel Co. in Hamilton.  He then spent four years at a bush camp in Thompson, MB building a mine.  He continued west to work as a welder at the Diefenbaker Dam in SK, and finally settling in Esterhazy, SK in 1962 to work on construction of the Potash Mine and in later years in the shop as a welder.

It was here that he met and married his wife Elaine (Hill).  They were blessed with three daughters, Glenda Nussbaumer (Ward), grandchildren Ben and Ryan, Phyllis Lizacich (Kevin Bewcyk), grandchildren Zachary and Dawson and Annette (Jerad).

John cherished the time he spent with his close Croatian friends from Regina, sharing many memorable days hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors together. Countless family weekends were spent at Echo Lake, where they gathered at a cabin that John proudly helped build.  John also did a lot of work from his home welding shop where he designed and welded wrought iron handrails, fireplace doors and furniture.  John had a keen interest in the world and current events and was an avid reader.  In his later years, he spent many hours on the computer reading the news or researching topics that interested him, especially any articles he could find on his beloved Croatia.

John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits.  He loved to hear of their lives and to challenge them in a game of pool, which the boys still struggled to beat him in.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Elaine of 61 years and his children and grandchildren.

The family welcomes donations to Angels of Hope Animal Rescue in Esterhazy as an expression of sympathy.