Obituary of John Michael Gruszka

December 29, 1948 - October 10,2021

It is with profound sorrow that the family of John Gruszka announces his passing on October 10, 2021. Surrounded by his loving family, in the comfort of his home, John bade us farewell in peace and serenity after a courageous battle with an aggressive gastro-intestinal cancer.

John was born in Chatham, Ontario to Leon and Mary Gruszka. He attended school and participated in many sports as a young man, graduating Grade 13 at the early age of 16. John then attended the University of Waterloo, where he met his wife to be, and graduated with a B.Sc. degree. Upon graduation John and Fern were married and immediately set out on a two-year contract with CUSO, in Tanzania. There, John worked as a fisheries biologist and instructor, becoming fluent in Swahili, and experiencing many adventures in several African countries. He then took on a training and extension contract with the Canadian International Development Agency as part of a beekeeping project. This developed a passion in him that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Upon his return to Canada John obtained a master’s degree in Entomology from the University of Manitoba and thereafter took a position in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan as the Provincial Apiculturist. During his 32 years in this position John worked with many astute, hard-working, and innovative honey producers.  He mentored many would-be beekeepers and trained many young students as a Sessional Lecturer for close to 15 years at the University of Saskatchewan.  A role that gave him great satisfaction. During his professional career John was challenged by many controversies in the beekeeping industry, including border closures to importation of bees, fighting the arrival of Tracheal and Varoa mites and delaying the invasion of drug and acaracide resistant pests in the province. His professionalism, leadership and innovation had a positive and enduring impact on Saskatchewan beekeeping.

Recognized internationally as an expert in his field, John did many consulting projects overseas, including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Chile, and several African countries. He served as president of the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists and on many other organizations related to his career. Numerous awards were presented to him, including the Distinguished Agrologist Award in 2005 from the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologist’s, the Canadian Honey Council Fred Rathje Memorial Award presented for extraordinary contributions to the Canadian Beekeeping industry and the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists’ Outstanding Service Award in 2008, as well as being made an Honorary Lifetime Member. One of his most prized accomplishments was being on the organizing committee of an international apiculture conference, Apimondia 99’, held in Vancouver.

An incredibly proud and loving father, John will be remembered for his great sense of humour, his unfailing integrity, his loyalty, and his perpetual willingness to help others. Wanting his children to appreciate other cultures as much as he did, family trips were taken to many European countries and numerous places in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. In his retirement John and Fern spent their winters in Mexico, where many great friendships were honed on the golf course and on the beaches in Mazatlan.

John is survived by his wife and life partner of 50 years, Fernanda, daughter Jessica (Ryan Admiraal) and grandchildren, Jackson and Ivy; son Stefan (Jo-Anne Huculak) and grandchildren, Maya and Lauren.  He also leaves a brother Stanley (Sharon) and their daughter Michelle as well as his sister-in-law Debbie Gruszka and nieces Rebecca and Rachel. John was predeceased by his parents Leon and Mary Gruszka and by his youngest brother Ted Gruszka. He leaves behind family and in-law family in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Italy, who grew to love him dearly over the many years of family visits.

At John’s request there will be no funeral. A private family ceremony will be held as he wished. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of John Gruszka, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.