It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of John Katerenchuk, with family at his side, at the Hamilton General Hospital on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the age of 78. Loving husband of Doris (nee Hebert) for 58years. Cherished father of Brenda Lee (Ewa), William (Jerry), Mathew (Kelly), Jamie (Michel) and Daniel (Mirella). Beloved papa of Jordan and Justine. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronald and Stephen and sister Elsie (Elliott).

Born in Sheho, Saskatchewan, July 7, 1938 and moved to Sault Ste, Marie, Ontario as a child where he then began a professional drumming career. John fell madly in love when he met his wife Doris Gail at Palm Gardens dance club in the Sault, and later married and moved to Vancouver, BC. Together they pursued a ballroom dancing career and John honed his musical skills travelling with big bands throughout the Pacific West. After having two children, they moved back to the Sault where they raised their family of five.

He became a prominent musician in the Sault, and as a co-founder of the Elks Drum and Bugle band, performed in the 1972 Grey Cup parade in Hamilton. He was a versatile percussionist who enjoyed a good challenge and became prolific in all musical styles. He performed in many orchestral settings including the Ned Ciaishchini Dance Orchestra in the Sault, and he shared his passion and love of music inspiring many teaching percussion. John started his career as an independent insurance adjustor and later founded his own real estate brokerage firm in Sault Ste Marie, which he then moved to Burlington, Ontario in the mid eighties.

John was active in the community through numerous organizations which included his role on the Board of Directors for the American Federation of Musicians (Canada), as President of Kiwanis Club (Steel City) eventually becoming a Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International (Eastern Canada and the Caribbean), and a retired Commander of the Canadian Power Squadron, and many other associations.

Anyone who met John could not help but be affected by his exuberant and infectious energy; he had an incredible passion for living life to its fullest and satisfying his endless curiosity. His enthusiasm for the outdoors, boating, fishing, drawing and painting, travelling the world, enjoying good food and exploring languages were only a few of his passions. He adored his wife Doris and loved his family dearly and will always be in our hearts.


Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street, (one block north of City Hall), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 4-8 with prayer vigils at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 2016 Blairholm Ave., Burlington on Thursday, September 1 at 10:30 am. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in memory of John may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.