Haraga, John

John (Johnny) passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Center on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the age of 94.

Dad was born in Velka Lubela, Czechoslovakia in 1927.  At the age of 3 weeks old, Dad's father, Izidor, immigrated to Canada to work in the coal mines and for the CPR.  In 1935 Dad and his mother, Zuzana immigrated to Canada to be reunited with his father. Dad took his schooling in Skiff and in 1950 attended S.A.I.T. in Calgary to take a welding course. Following that he continued to farm until he retired and moved to Lethbridge in 1999.

A man of simple pleasures with a touch of mischief thrown in. Dad was not a flashy man and didn't care to travel. He enjoyed fishing, but most of all he loved farming and driving his favourite 835 Versatile tractor to go summer fallowing with the radio off and a bag of sunflower seeds beside him.  As quiet as Dad was, he could be quite sociable, especially if a cold beer or a shot of whiskey was involved. Dad had a playful side when we were young, when he wasn't working, he would enjoy playing 500 baseball, playing the card game hearts, checkers, and of course the occasional water fight. Some of Dad's common sayings were "okie dokie," "we see you then," "it's good enough," and his favourite when calling out his neighbours "oh bullshit".

Dad loved his grandkids and great-grandkids, kids in general just seemed to be drawn to him because he loved to play with them. His favourite pastime with them was wrestling where he employed the famous leg lock technique.  This brought a twinkle to his eye and a smirk on his face. Dad also enjoyed pestering Mom but knew when it was time to stop.  Dad will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.

John is survived by his lovely wife of 69 years, Alice and sister, Helen Whittaker.  He is predeceased by his parents, Izidor and Zuzana Haraga and brothers Rudy and Arnold.

Father to Joyce Ito (Roy), Brenda Sorge (Tom), Ken Haraga (Trish) and Bob Haraga (Deb); grandfather to Brody, Aubree (Brennon), Cayle (Colleen), Devon (Brock), Erin (Kodie), Carmen (Matt), Linsay (Jason), Tyler (Nancy), Adam, Amanda (Danny) and Austin; great-grandfather to Mila, Ryley, Koji, Tanner, Gavin, Nash, Tate, Tommy, Lucas, Aiden, Ava, Bril, Willah, Gus, Liam and Palmer. 

A private family funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Cornerstone Funeral Home. 

Dad will be laid to rest at Archmount Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorial tributes can be made in John's name to Diabetes Canada (crm2.diabetes.ca) or the Alzheimer Society of Alberta (alzheimer.ca).