Part 1 and Part 2: Born on June 11, 1909 in a village of Rukhiv. Greek-Catholic faith. His father decided to come to a farm in Canada (Manitoba) when John was 6 months old. His mother died when he finished the 4th grade. Had to do all the chores around the house. His father did not belong to any organization because he was illiterate. At 18 y.o. left home and went to earn money, but there was the Depression already. Soup kitchen for unemployed. There were some organizations during Depression. City gave little work for married people but not for singles. Those could be sent to work on a farm for $5/month. John was working this way on various farms through Saskatchewan for about 10 years. In 1939 he went to Ontario, [Port Arthur] where he worked in a bush. Those who were able to bribe, got better strips of the bush. Did not want to join the army when the war started. So, he went to Winnipeg. Worked on a dining car till they found out who he was. Got a uniform in 1943. Underwent training in [Shiro], MB. From there he was sent to Newfoundland. But he ran away to Regina to hide. When the war was over he turned himself up and got 9 months of detention but was released after 4.5 months. From 1949 worked at a CPR.