John Sirman, 79

John Sirman, age 79 years, of 701 Atwood Ave., Rainy River, Ontario passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at the Rainy River Hospital in Rainy River, Ontario.
John was born on May 15, 1926 in Vita, Manitoba to the late Olexsa and Aksena Sirman. John was dedicated to his family, the church and the community. Father of nine children, 5 boys, and 4 girls, he guided their lives by leading and demonstrating honesty and commitment. He was one of the founders of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1950, and he continued to lead the small congregation until his passing. John was a CNR employee, retiring as an Engineer in 1984 with 38 years of service. His 62 years of commitment to the Rainy River Community can be seen through his leadership and participation in the following; 38 years on the Recreation Board, life member of the Kinsmen Club of Rainy River, Board of Directors of the Credit Union, member of the Legion, approximately 20 years with the School Board, Lions Club member and Moose Club member. In appreciation and recognition of his efforts the highest honor that can be bestowed to a Kinsman, he was made a life member. He was awarded "Kinsman of the Year" in 1966, awarded certificate of recognition from the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Community in 1994; recipient of the Bi-Centennial Medal in 1984, given the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions Club in 1995, founding member of the Railroad Museum and the list goes on.
He was predeceased by two children, Nancy and Nicholas Sirman in infancy; three brothers Bill , Peter and Fred Sirman; and two sisters Anne Kolisnyk and Irene Lalois.
John is survived by his wife Olga Sirman of Rainy River, ON.; nine children, Ivan Sirman and wife Betty-Ann of Brooklyn, ON., Dennis Sirman and wife Helen of Ottawa, ON., Michael Sirman of Calgary, Alta, Christina Sirman of Winnipeg, MB., Arlene Sirman of Edmonton, Alta, Darlene and husband Jim Hamnett of Edmonton Alta, and John Sirman and Lorinna Fisher of Thunder Bay, ON.; thirteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, Andy Sirman and wife Keitha of Rainy River, ON., two sisters Bella Watson of Houston Texas and Nancy and husband Don Wade of Houston, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 6, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Rainy River, Ontario with The Very Reverend Canon Father Daren Gallivan officiating.
Family and friends visited from 6 p.m. Saturday, March 4th, 2006 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 5th, 2006 at the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Eighth St. in Rainy River, Ontario.
The active pallbearers will be Marcus Sirman, Nicholas Sirman, Aaron Sirman, Gregory Sirman, Ryan Sirman and Tyler Sirman.
The honourary pallbearers will be Bobbie-Jo Sirman-Silva, Katherine Sirman , Kayla Sirman and Tara Sirman.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice, in care of Rainy River Funeral Home, P.O. Box 694, Rainy River, Ontario, P0W 1L0.