John Ignatovich Antifaeff was born in Arran, Saskatchewan, the third of four children to parents Helen and Edward Antifaeff. At age six he moved with his family to Blewett, BC. On December 8, 1951 John married Leda Pozdnikoff, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage. They made their first home at 49 Creek in Blewett before moving closer to Blewett store, then to Fairview in Nelson.
At age 15 John started work for the Canadian Pacific Railway, then worked as a deckhand sailing the Arrow Lake on the CPR steam boats, the SS Minto and the SS Columbia. John worked with the sawmill industry in many capacities including sawyer, saw fitter, benchman and saw filer until retiring from Kootenay Forest Products in 1984.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a self-taught builder and built the two family homesteads in Blewett, mastering the trades as carpenter, plumber, mason and electrician. When he wasn’t building, he could be found gardening, solving puzzles, writing poetry or fixing and inventing things like his solar water heater. He enjoyed many family outings as well as getting together with friends for card games or games of pool. John had a passion for the outdoors and spent many happy hours bringing in firewood, picking mushrooms and huckleberries. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed the company of his many fishing buddies. In their latter years, John and Leda enjoyed camping at Lost Ledge, fishing and enjoying nature together.
John lived at Mountain Lakes Seniors Community for ten months. He passed away peacefully with family by his side, his wife holding his hand. He was 83 years old. John leaves behind his devoted wife Leda; his loving children Nick (Wendy) Antifaeff, John (Sylvia) Antifaeff, Carolyn (Wayne) Ludwar, Verna (Rob) McRory; eleven grandchildren Aaron (Kelsey) Antifaeff, Eric Antifaeff, Sacha (Steve) Soltys, Virginia Naismith, Karl Naismith, Michelle Antifaeff, Marlisa Antifaeff, Krista (Ryan) Hickey, Sarah Ludwar, Peter McRory and Shannon McRory; one great granddaughter Courtney Enns; sister Katie Derhousoff; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
John was predeceased by his parents; brother Mike Antifaeff; sister Helen Tagami; brother-in-laws George Planiden, John Derhousoff and Sueyo Tagami; and sister-in-law Elizabeth Antifaeff.
Funeral services were held January 25 and 26, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home followed by interment in Nelson Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Fred Strukoff, Wayne Ludwar, Rob McRory, Aaron Antifaeff, Eric Antifaeff and Steve Soltys. Thank you nephew and cousin Leonard Voykin for your guidance, compassion and officiating during the service. Thank you to Drs.Bridger and Janz, the staff at Mountain Lakes, Home and Community Support, Linda Warren, and Thompson Funeral Home for your professional and compassionate care. Many thanks to all our family and friends who provide John’s family love and support during our time of need. God Bless You All!
John will be dearly missed and always remembered fondly. Rest in Peace...”peace like a river”, John, Dad, Deda, Grandpa, PJ. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.