John Skorski

The service will be live streamed at
https://stphilipneriparish.ca

For more than three decades, John W. Skorski shaped lives through teaching and coaching in Saskatoon's classrooms and football fields. His journey began at the Illinois State University. While completing his Master's of Science degree, his heart was captured by his loving wife Ellen. They met on a blind date that sparked a lifetime of love and adventure. Their journey took them around the world - from Chicago to Lusaka, Zambia, to Grenfell, Saskatchewan - before they finally settled in Saskatoon in 1982. That journey came to a peaceful end on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at age 77.

John's gift for teaching transformed countless lives. From his time at Matero Boys' Secondary School in Zambia to his return to Canada, at Sion High School and E.D. Feehan High School, he taught drafting, metalworking, woodworking, automotive technology, welding, and photography-practical skills that would shape his students' futures. Beyond the workshop and laboratory, he dedicated himself to coaching football and soccer, mentoring young athletes with characteristic enthusiasm.

His talents as a builder left lasting legacies. In Grenfell, he designed and constructed St. Columbkille Roman Catholic Church. He later created an innovative super-insulated farmhouse in Saskatoon. Ever practical and adventurous, he embraced rural life-raising chickens, planting alfalfa, and always finding new projects to tackle.

John continued teaching and serving others in retirement. He supported those in need as a Spiritual Care Volunteer and cardiac patient volunteer at Royal University Hospital. His greatest joy came from sharing his skills with his grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching them to fish, build kites, and launch rockets. He passed down not just knowledge, but a legacy of curiosity and creation.

John shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with Ellen, building a life rich in family, adventure, and service to others. Together they traveled extensively through Europe and North America, creating memories through camping, fishing, skiing, and regular visits to Chicago to maintain close family connections. A passionate Riders fan, he rarely missed watching a game.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and John; his in-laws, Elsa and Charles. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; sons John (Lisa) and Larry; grandchildren Matthew (Jeanelle), Erika, Bradley, Adam, and Amelia; sister Marianne (Johnnie); sisters-in-law Fran (John) and Carol; and numerous nieces & nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Ave S, Saskatoon, SK. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cosmo Industries by calling 306-664-3158.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at https://stphilipneriparish.ca