Obituary of John Ponikvar

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the family of John Ponikvar announce his peaceful passing on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the I.O.O. F. Seniors Home in Barrie, in his 72nd year, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr John William Ponikvar, husband of Maria Ponikvar (nee Strah), proud father of Alexandra (Derek MacPherson ) and Dr. Michael Ponikvar. Loving grandfather “Tata” to granddaughters, Ryan and Kathryn MacPherson. Dear brother of Jerry Ponikvar (Lillian) Mary Desanti (late Tony) and Fred Ponikvar (Marisela), brother-in-law to Frances (Bill) Ramsay and Tim Strah. Loved uncle of Ed, Tony, Mitch, Marnie, Sabrina and Cameron and many great-nephews and great-nieces. He is pre-deceased by his parents Lucijia and Jernej Ponikvar. John was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario. He graduated from University of Western Ontario (B.A. ‘68) and University of Toronto (Dentistry ‘73). During his summer breaks from University, John worked for the Department of Lands and Forests doing geological surveying and also lead a crew fighting forest fires in Northern Ontario. He used to joke about being a “star” in the IMAX film, “North of Superior.” John practised dentistry in St. Catharines from 1973 until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of Lipa Park Slovenian Club, the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club and Ellicotville Ski Club. John was an avid photographer, traveller, golfer, skier and was keen on lifelong learning. What he loved most of all though, were the times he spent with his family. Special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at IOOF Long term Care Centre (Simcoe Lodge). Visitation will be held at Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel, 39 Court Street, St. Catharines (905-685-6584) on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. Vigil prayers will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 3pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Julia Roman Catholic Church, 251 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines (905-684-5603) on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to I.O.O. F. Seniors Home, Simcoe Lodge, Barrie(705-728-2389) would be appreciated by the family.