1939 ~ 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of John Plaetinck on July 7, 2022. John is remembered by his wife Joan, children Carolyn (Harvey), Robert (Lucy), Mark (Lenna), Andrew (Kristal) and grandchildren Evan, Ian, Ryan, Paris, Tia, Chase, Cruze, and Breeze. His memory is also cherished by his sister Marie, and brothers Willy (Christine), Eric (Candy), and sister-in-laws Diane and Irene, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Rene and Clara, brothers Paul and George, and brother-in-law Gilbert Bray.
John was born on August 9th, 1939, in Ghent, Belgium. He was baptized and became an altar boy in the Roman Catholic Church in Kalken, Belgium. He continued to practice his faith until his passing.
At the age of 12, his family emigrated to Canada. Travelling by boat, they arrived in Halifax and began their journey west by train. Low on resources, the family found footing on a farm in Stony Mountain, MB. A few months later, they were forced to move to another farm in Swan Lake, MB. John and his father began working for a sugar beet farm. Being the oldest of six siblings, and only 13 years old, John started working as a farm hand to help provide for the family. At 15, John moved away from home to work at Hambley Hatcheries and attended school in Winnipeg. He returned to his family, who had relocated to Stockton, MB, to complete grade 11. On July 9th, 1958, John began working for the Royal Bank of Canada as a Junior Clerk in Glenboro, MB.
In 1961, John was transferred to Erickson, MB, where he would meet Joan Graham, his future wife. He was later transferred to Lac du Bonnet. In 1964, he married Joan and they began their life together. John and Joan were transferred many times through the years as John continued to climb the ranks in the bank. He eventually became the Branch Manager in Miniota, MB, the Assistant Manager in Steinbach and Brandon, the Branch Manager in Shoal Lake, MB, and finally the Branch Manager in Beausejour, MB. John retired from the Royal Bank on July 1st, 1994.
Once retired, John and Joan bought a trailer at the Pine To Palm Resort Park in Weslaco, Texas. They travelled south every winter for 23 years to enjoy warm weather, golf, cards, dances, and good times with friends who were like family to them. In 2019, John and Joan sold their trailer in Texas and their long-time home in Beausejour, and moved into Moya Doma Condominiums in Beausejour, MB. John moved two more times, first to Kin Place Personal Care Home and finally to East-Gate Lodge Personal Care Home.
John was always young at heart. He loved to play games with anyone. At the drop of a hat, he was ready for a game of crib or liar’s dice. He loved to compete so much that he was even known to invent entertaining games such as Wood Tick Races and Water In Your Face. John was always eager to see and play with his grandchildren, giving them horseback rides or playing board games with them. In the summer he golfed, and in the winter he curled.
Though John played hard, he also worked hard. Waking up at sunrise, John often started his summer days at the farm. Following an 8-hour shift at the bank, he would return home for supper and then go back to the farm, where he would work until sunset. His incredible work ethic most likely came from starting work at such a young age. If John wasn’t around, we knew he was working or playing somewhere.
John loved music. He spent many hours learning the lyrics to songs and then performing them in the shower the next day. He sang favourites like Celito Lindo and The Scottish Kilt at music jams, and taught pieces such as Grandma’s Feather Bed and Bicycle Built for Two to his grandkids. He and Joan tore up the dance floor at many socials, square dances and at home. John also found time to garden, bake and participate in family camping trips, but what he enjoyed most was laughing. If John was present, you knew laughter would follow. He had it figured out! Work hard, play hard. Live, laugh, love.
The family would like to acknowledge the kindness and compassionate care given to John by the staff at East-Gate Lodge Personal Care Home over the past year.
Prayers will be said, Friday, July 15, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, located at 530 Atlantic Ave. in Beausejour, Manitoba. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Condolences for the family may be left at www.soberingfuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to East-Gate Lodge Recreation Program, Box 1690, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0 or Parkinson Canada, 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2.
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Lorraine Drewlo & Family
What an Interesting, Ambitious Husband you had there, Joan! He will be sorely missed by All!
Sincere Sympathy To You and All Your Beautiful Family. RIP
Pat and Louise Lachance
John was always fun to be around. Got to really know him from Tuesday Morning curling. When John and Dick Sellen were together it was non stop laughing. They must be having fun up there He was a great guy and everyone will miss him. R I P
Lydia Ewasko
Sincere condolences Joan and family on the passing of John,; he always had a kind word for every one he met. He will be missed by many. RIP
Deepest sympathy from Lydia Ewasko and family.
Karen & Art Berry
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Leona Weidman
My sincere sympathies Joan and your family, on John’s passing. May our Heavenly Father Grant you His Comfort and Strength.
Shirley Cherrey
It is with such sadness to hear the news of John’s passing. Condolences to Joan and family for the loss of such an incredible man. I had the great privilege to work with John at RBC Beausejour Branch. He was serious when required but oh so much fun as well. Many great memories from working together but also at the fun events held at RBC or the curling club or out on the golf course. My sympathies to John’s family and friends.
Larry Todd
I met John and Joan in Shoal Lake when he was the Manager of the Royal Bank and I was Administrator of the new PCH there. John was on the PCH Board. Just a great guy and we became good friends during my 3 years there. Funny stories…we both incurred the wrath of a local car dealer when we bought new cars somewhere else. Laughed we did. And we went duck hunting several times together…dangerous but funny affair chasing flocks all over the fields. Joan obligingly cleaned and roasted our meager 2 kills. Some people leave a lifetime impression…John did that. So sorry to read of his passing.
Larry Todd
Winnipeg
Brian Cobb
Joan so very sorry to hear this news. I worked with John in the early banking years in Russell and we had so much fun that it made work a true joy each and every day. John laughter and work ethic were infectious and I always recall he had such neat and clear hand writing. No job was to difficult, and often if it meant early mornings or late at night he would be there pitching in both in the branch and in the community but always making it like a game with laughter and competitions. My sincerest condolences to you Joan and the entire family. Truly a life well lived.
Ralph and Carolyn Lee
Joan and Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of John. He was a great guy and will certainly be missed by family and friends alike. No doubt he, Dave Blake and John Dickey along with many others are likely planning a golf trip or tournament at this very moment. Although we never worked together, our paths crossed many times during careers at RBC and again at Pine to Palm. We had the opportunity to curl together several times as well as golfed together on occasion. Always competitive and always good fun.
RIP old friend.
Ralph and Carolyn Lee
Gerald Graves
Joan and family; You have my sincere condolence on the loss of John. He was a great guy. We enjoyed our time with you in Beausejour and many years in Texas, as John was always so much fun to be with.
He was a born entertainer. He just loved to sing and dance, we sure miss him. Carry on Joan, as life goes on, it’s not easy loosing someone as I found out. Gerry
Roger & Cindy Wilton & family
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Being neighbors for 17 years, we were privileged to hear John’s laughter, singing and oh how he loved to whistle. He was lots of fun and truly loved life. Our sincere condolences to you and your family Joan. xo
Larry Antoniuk
Joan and family, I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I worked with John for a couple years when he was first transferred to RBC Beausejour branch and he made a lasting impression on me. He was a great manager and a fun guy to be around. After I was transferred, I always enjoyed catching up with John at the RBC Clear Lake Golf Tournament to share a few pops and of course lots of laughs. RIP John and sincere condolences to his family.
Rose Couprie
My sincere condolences to you JOAN and families, John was a beautiful soul, he will surely be missed. It was a pleasure knowing him and caring for him. May the many memories you created together be treasured in your heart.
Lou & Rita Hutlet
Our sincere condolences to the Plaetinch Family on the loss John. He will be missed by many.
May he rest in Peace!!!
Maurice and Kathy Bertouille
So sorry to hear the news about John. Our condolences to you Joan and all your family. I’ve know John since his arrival to Canada and he had to be the most fun guy to be around at any given function. I worked with him at RBC Main & Logan as well as at Steinbach. He definitely knew how to enjoy life and hard work was no stranger to him. RIP John
Harlon and Barb Kintop
Dear Joan and family
What a testament for a life well lived. John was always a friendly fellow whenever we met. Our sincere condolences to all and may the peace of God comfort you as you navigate this difficult time.
Grief never ends…
but it changes.
It’s a passage,
Not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign
of weakness, nor
a lack of faith…
It is the price of love.
Van Landschoot Christiaan & Jeannine
Christ en Jeannine
Our sincere condolences Joan ,children, grandchildren.
Even though we didn’t know John that long ,we will never forget him, and are grateful
for the beautiful days.
We have incredible memories of a cheerful and pleasant person.
He rests in peace.
Fred Muth and Lynn Robert
We are so very sad to learn of John s passing. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. John was always the life of the party and had the gift of making everyone feel at home , happy and comfortable around him. We will always have to think of John and smile whenever we hear a happy or funny song as “That was John”
May you, Joan and the family find peace and comfort knowng how much everyone loved John
From Fred ad Lynn
Ray & Ellen Lavoie
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we remember many fond memories of all the good times that we have shared together.
Ray & Ellen Lavoie
Lorne and Joyce Butcher
It’s with heavy heart to learn of John’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with John at RBC where I learned so much about banking. John was a all around great person and our sincere condolences to Joan and family.
Lorne and Joyce
Hazel Sylvestre
My condolences to John’s family. My hometown was Stockton so I remember John and his family during our school years. He loved music back then too. I too worked for the Royal Bank and I would see him occasionally over years. Always a big smile when he saw me. I’m glad his years were filled with love and laughter. My sympathy to his sister Maria and his brothers. RIP John.
Hazel Sylvestre (Steer)
Robert Webb & Haraldine
Joan and family We Bob and Haraldine Webb offer our sympathy and prayers as John has passed on. we remember him as a great fellow and banker. May he rest in peace. Also a fellow Glenborite!
Our thoughts are with you.
Martin Van De Weghe
John… You can feel it all the way to Kalken…
You can rightly be proud John… you’re strong bond with Joan, the children and grandchildren was always recognizable
John… I’m family and I’m proud of it..!
Sincere condolences to Joan and family for the loss of John…
Veel sterkte Joan…
R.I.P. John
Ashley McLean and Family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of your family.
Linda York
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. What an amazing man and amazing life. He left a great legacy for his family. Jim and I really enjoyed our visits with you in Texas. Our thoughts are with you all.
Rose Winnicki
My sympathies to you Joan and your family. Remember and hold close all of the good memories.
John was a good person to work with , but sometimes procedures and policies would be challenging. I especially recall his extreme frustration with the slow computer system when it was first introduced at the bank.
His boisterous laugh will be remembered.
Take good care on your continuing life journey
Debra Fossum
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I meet you two at the Pine to Prairie in Wesleco, Texas while staying with my mom, Dolores and step-dad, Mel Book. Mel died this past Oct. and is probably playing cards with John right this moment. :).
Michele Catellier
My condolence Joan to you and your family. I have such good memories of John.
He really was a wonderful man.
Bill & Sherron McLean
We are so sorry to learn of John’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you Joan and your Family. I had the pleasure of working with John twice in my banking career with the last branch being Steinbach. He had a great work ethic and was a fun person to be around. In Steinbach he referred to his rental home to be his “Old Kentucky Home” that had a monthly heating bill as high as his earnings. With all of that he still had his infectious laugh that we will never forget. A truly remarkable man. He will be missed and may he Rest In Peace.
Lance & Cindy Wadelius
Our sincere condolences to Joan and family.
John was such a gentleman and took the time to greet everyone he met. My father-in-law Roy enjoyed Johns company while at East Gate Lodge. And John always continued to greet me by name every time I saw him.
Wilf & Mildred Betker
We express our deepest condolences to Joan & Family. The Lord will bless you with special strength to coupe with these heartbreaking days. Support & comfort one another. The Lord has welcomed John into eternal life with peace, love & joy.
Neill & Sandy Barrie
Sending our sincerest condolences to the family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Joan at this time.
Diane and Herb Kowalke
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have so many fond memories of a life enriched by him. Encounters at square dancing, John’s story-telling at old time dances, John singing one of his favorite songs at Legion Jam Nights, and dealing with him as bank manager when having a relationship with your bank manager meant something. Our most sincere condolences to all the family. He will surely be missed.
Patrick and Brigitte Mulvihill
Dear Joan and Family, our sincerest condolences on the passing of your Husband, Father, and Grandfather.. We were fortunate to meet John and Joan thru the Kowalchuks and their Horseshoe tournaments. John was one heck of a player! John was full of vim and vinegar for sure. Loved his little ditty songs and music. YES, John always had a smile or a laugh with us. He and Joan were the people who recommended Pine to Palm Resort. Thank you, God Bless with wonderful memories of John.
John Linklater & Gail Deleau/Beausejour Music
We were surprised and saddened to hear of John’s sudden passing. We will always remember
John at the Beauhead jams singing his favorite songs like the auctioneer. He always loved fun and
happy songs and would always have you up dancing. I am sure you will miss him dearly Joan as will
his family and many friends. It seemed funny playing at East Gate on Friday, the day of his funeral,
looking out and not seeing you sitting with him listening to the music that he loved. Our
condolences.
Mike &Diane Shewchuk
Our sympathies to you Joan and your Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.We will remember the good times that we shared together.
RIP John.