John Nestor Braschuk

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of John (Gee Gee) Nestor Braschuk, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025 at the age of 82 with family by his side. 

John was born on October 19, 1942, in Erickson, MB to John and Teenie Braschuk. He grew up on a farm in Rackham, MB where he attended a one room school house until grade 9. He spoke often of the thousands of straps he received for the smallest of things from his teacher Frances. His education continued in Sandy Lake for grade 10 where he travelled by car to attend. John actively participated in sports often telling stories of how fast he could run, beating many at field day competitions, how he caught baseballs without gloves and hit many home runs.

John was very active in helping on the family farm where he resided with his parents and 6 siblings. Times were very tough and this meant hard work was required to feed the family. They had crops to tend to, cows to feed, gardens to harvest, all while living in a very small home with sparse walls where he spoke of the wind blowing through, no plumbing or electricity and a wood stove. He spoke of endless tales of shenanigans he and his siblings would get into. John had a lasting love for the family horses and even remembered their names in his final days. He often worked for the neighbours for 50 cents per hour to help with the family expenses. John took up hunting, fishing and trapping while growing up on the farm.

At the age of 16 he left the farm and moved to Winnipeg where he worked at Brown Brothers service station. He then worked at Carter motors as a mechanic apprentice while attending Red River Community College. Later he moved on to Birchwood Motors as a licensed mechanic and eventually shop foreman. His last position in Winnipeg as shop foreman was with Southwood Chevrolet after Bob Chipman, the owner of Birchwood, purchased the company.

It was in Winnipeg that he met Paula who was his neighbour where he lived with Pete Andrews in June of 1962. They were married on October 26, 1963 and later welcomed their first son and carried on the tradition of naming him John Jr. (the third III) and later welcomed son Craig. They purchased their first home on Jefferson Avenue where Tracey eventually was born. When the family outgrew the house they moved to the other end of Winnipeg and purchased a larger home on Cathcart Avenue. Johns evenings were often spent in the garage working on side mechanic jobs.

On July 1, 1977, John and Paula took possession of the Gold Nugget in Erickson, MB. Leaving his Southwood family was very difficult for John and his boss tried very hard to convince him to stay. Eventually they wished him well and gifted him a new 22 gun to use in his free time.

John and Paula worked hard in the “Nugget” and it evolved into different services all while John worked on vehicles in the garage with his faithful labs by his side. He loved his dogs, always had one wherever he went and were always the best hunting dogs.

At the age of 50, he accepted the position of garage supervisor for Parks Canada and worked there for 15 years before retiring. He then returned to the Nugget and continued working in the business in all areas until it was sold in April 2015.

John was very much an outdoorsman. There was no hunting or fishing activity he didn't partake in. His passion ran deep and many tales were told. He especially loved moose hunting and could call them out of the bush like no other. John was so grateful and respectful to the many land owners that gave him permission to hunt. His favourite story was the one where he called a moose that came right to Paulas truck window. John impressed and even taught the Care Home staff how to call moose when he resided there. He was often seen at the window looking across for bears and handing his binoculars to the staff to see what he could without them. He made several trips to northern communities hunting with family and friends tagging along for the experience. He kept the family fed throughout the years and they never went hungry. He also provided for many seniors in the community throughout the years. You knew fall was here because John could not be found as he would be out with his sons and grandsons, whom he proudly passed his love for hunting down to.

His outdoor passion also extended to endless evening spent in the bush picking berries, mushrooms, finding diamond willow, picking special rocks for Tracey or in the massive garden they kept. Nothing made John more proud then showing the customers the vegetables he grew or taking the grand kids to pick peas. His green thumb extended to the apple trees in the back yard that again were proudly shared with many people and loved by all. The grand and great grand kids couldn't’ wait to run through the garden eating or climbing the ladder to pick apples.

‍John was a gentle, unassuming man with a sly sense of humour. A good week for John would include coffee in the nugget with the crew, solving a mechanic problem that had been puzzling him, weeding in his garden, picking berries, evening fishing on Jackfish Lake or simply going for a drive in the county. Paulas best dates were those where he took her for a ride to the dump!

‍John was notoriously frugal and the family teased him for the need of WD40 when opening his wallet. However, he was graciously generous with others, he would not hesitate to hand out to those in need and specifically held a very special soft spot for Lorraine, the Brandon Walmart greeter, he loved their visits. He loved all animals and fondly called every pup he saw Skippy. Babies loved him and seniors would sit chatting at the nugget for hours having coffee. He was fondly remembered by all his nieces and nephews for having “garbage” in his pockets when visiting – candy that Paula always packed so he could hand it out. He loved Bobby Orr and the Winnipeg jets and was a faithful fan to the very end.

‍John was inviting and easy going. He had a young-at-heart quality. You could get a flavour of this as he would carry on a conversation or tell stories, seated in his chair at the Nugget, in his house or the picnic table every Sunday at the boardwalk where the family gathered weekly for ice cream.

John was known for his unwavering kindness, his infectious smile, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome.  He was a devoted husband to his wife, Paula, for 61 years, and a loving father to his children, John Jr., Craig and Tracey.

John was a passionate business owner, talented mechanic and avid sportsman.  His spare time was ALWAYS spent hunting, fishing or simply driving checking fields and looking for animals. His memory will be forever etched in the hearts of those who knew him

John is survived by his wife, Paula; his children, John (Kim), Craig (Katherine) and Tracey (Barry). grandchildren, Melissa, Johnny Jr., Travis, Tanner, Leah, Katie and Adam; 13 great- grandchildren; Brother Dennis Braschuk (Phylis), Sisters Eleanor Navalkoski (Mitchell), Sonia Spaller (John), Iris Marschichuk, sister in law Alma Braschuk; several relatives from Paulas side and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents, Teenie and John Braschuk, sister Gloria, Brother Ernie and son in law Dave Tyler.

There is no plans for a service at this time. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the Erickson Personal Care home – Activity department in John's memory as this was where he spent his final months and had many smiles and laughs. His friends at the PCH were very kind and he would love to know their activities will continue.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.raesfs.ca  Rae’s Funeral Service of Erickson are in care of arrangements. (204) 636-7727