John was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan to Wasyl 'Bill' Putko and Ksenia 'Sonia' Putko. John later married Marion Kozar.
He is survived by Dawn (Bob), and their children Justin and Jenna, Kim (Scott) and daughter Tokyn (Eric), Michael (Stella) and their children Madison and Avery,
John was predeceased by Bill and Sonia, and Mike and Lena Kozar.