John Harasymczuk, age 90, passed away peacefully the early morning of the 6th of February, 2017 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, MT.
John was born August 7, 1926 in Chesapeake City, Maryland to John and Annie (Woznik) Harasymczuk. John was the eighth child in the family of nine children. He attended grade school in Chesapeake City and graduated from high school. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in January 17, 1944. He often said as a child he was a “water rat” swimming in the Chesapeake Delaware Canal. He was the last member of this first generation of Harasymczuk’s. Enlisting in the Air Force and missing the draft he was able to select the Air Combat Program which he felt was a select group of young men. He was sent to Germany, and after the Battle of the Bulge the end of the war in Europe was in sight. During the occupation of Germany he spent seven months traveling from Berchtesgaden to Garnish. He really enjoyed the sights and the swimming. He was set to be sent into the Japanese war when President Truman ordered the atomic bomb for Japan, which was dropped August 6th, the day before John’s birthday. John said that was his best birthday present ever. He was again home in Maryland in the fall of 1946. He and Cathy Beaston were married and they moved to Missoula, MT for college. After graduation he came to Miles City and begun teaching science, P.E. and coaching in the Miles City School system. He taught for 36 years before retiring. During that time he built two homes for his family here in Miles City, the last on the Tongue River which was his current home. His wife Cathy passed away in 1995. He met Leah Pace in late 1996 and they shared 20 wonderful years together.
John is survived by his companion Leah Pace, of Miles City; his children: Michelle (Vince) Husted of Dillon, MT, Mike (Sondra) Harasymczuk of Miles City, Doug (Char) Harasymczuk of Billings, MT and David (Gail) Harasymczuk of Spring Creek, NV. John is also survived by ten grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Montana Warriors on the Water, P.O. Box 832, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the Miles City Wrestling Club, P.O. Box 314, Miles City, MT 59301. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 10, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday February 10, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 11, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday February 11, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 10, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday February 10, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 11, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday February 11, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jeff,Jamie,Justin and Jared Bankey says
We are deeply saddened by the news of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our sincere sympathies to you and your family.
SHANNON HOLMEN says
Doug, so sorry about your dad. He was such an inspiration to so many kids, including mine. Here to great memories. My prayers.
Rachelle Walker says
My heart is breaking…I loved John. He was my favorite patient and taught me so much he made me see just exactly why I wanted to be a nurse. I loved his stories of being a “river rat” while in the military and the stories of wrestling coaching. He taught me so much in the few short months I got to work with him. I will forever be “your cheerleader.” Prayers to the family.
Joe Jerrel says
Never forget P.E. with Mr. H. Great man RIP
Loren and Connie Delaware says
Our friend, mentor, and the loving Grandfather to his adopted family. He will missed by all of us. God has a new angel in heaven to watch over us. RIP John.
Loren and Connie Delaware says
A mentor, friend and loving Grandfather to his adopted family. God has another angel in heaven to watch over us.
RIP John.
Mark Sweeney says
Dave and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a giant of a man who gave to his community and the youth in it in many ways. I will have a lasting memory of him from the PE gymnasium to the wresting
Long mats always willing to help me and others reach our potential. He will be missed and remembered.
Mark Sweeney
Jim and Ann Willson says
So sorry to hear about John. He is the one who got so many of us boys started in the wrestling program. I was in seventh grade in 1959. We had an old mat cover put over several small tumbling mats. He knick named me Wildcat that year and that name has stuck with me over the years. I still get called that, and when I do I think of Mr. Harasymczuck. what a great man, and outstanding referee for many years. Our thoughts and prayers to the Family. When we would visit he always remembered a match in 1968 between my brother and Koyama from Hardin, Mt. John said it was one of the best matches he refereed. thanks for the memories “JOHN”.
Jim and Ann Willson
Tony Cline says
My deepest sympathies to the Harasymczuck family. Mr. Harasymczuck was a great coach and a great man.
Tracy Bertrand says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Harasymczuk family. John was a great teacher/person, that impacted a lot of youth in the community. He will truly be missed.
Mike J. Adrian says
I am deeply saddened by the news of John Harasymczuk’s passing. John was a fine gentleman and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Mike
Martha Crandall says
Mr Harasymczuk was my PE teacher at Garfield school. He had us doing the human bridge. We were all lined up against the wall. He said, if you can do it, you get to crawl thru the tunnel. They were all crashing down. Please Mr H, I don’t want to get crushed. My sympathy to all.
James Arneson says
What a great mentor to all kids John coached and taught. I enjoyed working with him, talking shooting, talking aboutteaching hunter education and carefully tumbling his hunting brass for his reloads. I seen him briefly last month, what an honor to just say hello and shake his hand. What a gentle yet firm man. He will be missed greatly
Denise Harvey says
My thoughts and prayers with all of you. You were great neighbors and friends! And who can ever forget “Go You Chicken Fat Go”
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Becky Tipton says
I’m so sorry to hear about John when I was working at EMVH he was so sweet. Such an interesting man to visit with,so knowledgeable… Thank you to his Family for sharing him with us, His family meant everything to him!
RIP John!
Becky Tipton
Michael Delaware says
For all that you have done, has changed the lives of all whom live on.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
John and Cathy Harasymczuk were fixtures in my family life as I grew up in Miles City, Cathy and my mom were best friends and John would come over and talk to Dad once or twice a week. He would sneak us kids into Washington to jump on the trampoline after hours and we thought that was pretty special, but we kids had to keep that big secret! They were great friends to us and we are deeply saddened to hear of John’s death. Our prayers are with the family.
God Bless. Jim & Mary Ann
Scott and Sue Jens says
Dave, Michelle and family. Sue and I are saddened about the news of your fathers passing. We worked together in the Miles City School system. I was always amazed at all the different areas of John’s world. From coaching wrestling, goose hunting, building and just being a great individual. He loved children and loved helping them in any way he could. We have lost a mentor and true friend, heaven has gained one. Our prayers from all the Jens family to you all.
rick, nick , joey and rene ottoy says
Dave and family, Sorry for your loss. He was such an inspiration to me and so many more of us when we were younger. He was so much more than a wrestling coach. Rest in peace John
Cherie LeBlanc says
Your father was an amazing man, he loved everyone he met he really did. I enjoyed talking with him and laughing as he was had many stories to tell. He was instrumental any many students lives and he will be greatly missed. Hugs to all and may you feel his true love in your hearts always.
Pat Cline says
There always seems to be that one coach who is able to get just a little bit more out of his athletes, for me, that was Mr. Harasymczuk. A great person & a great coach with “old school” values. He impacted a lot of lives & will be missed by many. My sympathies to his great family!
Lindsay Sadorf says
To the family and friends of John.. (who wasn’t a friend to that man?) My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you get some comfort in knowing that so many people were touched by John and the kind, compassionate, caring man he was, and in knowing how proud of each and every one of you he was. John will forever hold a very special place in my heart as will all of you. I thank you so much for sharing him with us.
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
I’m saddened to see the passing of such an inspirational man as Mr. H . I hope all your memories can see you through this difficult time. My memories of ” Go you chicken fat go” still lives in my heart God bless his family. xo. Much love from the family of Bud Holter
Pat Cline says
There’s always that one coach that is able to get just a little bit more out of his athletes, for me, that was Mr. Harasymczuk. He was an “old school” coach with great lessons for sports & life. He was a great man & raised a great family!
Frank Tooke says
I am very sorry to note John’s passing. He was a great mentor and an excellent coach & educator. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Don "Big Sonny" Cook says
There will never be enough words to say what a great man he was, I last saw him in Costco,his health was failing then,God bless the family I will remember the good times we had forever..
Rick Geist. says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father!
Truly a very giving person who gave it his all!
His passing will be felt by all that was fortunate to have met him!
I was but just one!!
Eugene and Connie Bankey says
I will always remember that first day of school, he walked across the school grounds, at the beginning of his teaching career at the Washington Junior High, and I saw Mr Harasymcuk , and hearing that served in the military , I thought he also had graduated from a academy the way he walked so proud and the neatness of his of clothes. A friendship and respect lasted from those days of having him in the classroom as a teacher and as a coach. Connie and I send your family our prayers and condolences. Eugene Bankey
teresa bacon says
I am so sorry to hear this, he was one of my favorite teachers, very kind to me. My prayers and condolences to the family and friends.
Lori Sallgren Price says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Harasymczuk family with the loss of John.
Mike Mangen says
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man. I have so many fond memories of him as PE teacher in the early 60s and him riding the scooter while we ran. God Bless.
Russell Warn says
My condolences. Fond memories of PE at Garfield School.
Wayne Yankoff says
I’M pleased that I found this tribute to him. He was a mentor to me and my older brother. He was real although I could not spell his last name for the life of me. I always imagined he was an Englishmen. Came to America after he fought the Germans in Europe. He was always bigger then life. I felt this exceptualism and now I know why. He was blessed and all of his students were likewise. Mr. Harasymczuk (I spelled it) was tough, the toughest guy I knew (so he had to be a veteran right?). He seemed to have a knack for getting to the depth in each of us. For me it was a turning point. He put the ragged mats out in the Washington gym and had me wrestle. It was a godsend. I imagine that he was the only one who knew what he did for me. John Harasymczuk. A giant of a person for me. I was lucky, fortunate, blessed.
Gary Martin says
I have many fond memories of your father and of your family. I was lucky enough to share his garden when I lived next to him by the Tongue river. He taught me how to build a house, how to hunt and many other things. Most important he taught his students and friends the value of true friendship and loyalty. I remember his love for teaching all kids and his love for the sport of wrestling. John has always had a special place in my heart. My condolences to the family.
Gary Martin
Jennifer Johnsgard says
I remember having him as my grade school PE teacher at Jefferson. One of the kindest teachers I have ever had. Very sorry for your loss.
Lisa Parsons says
I really enjoyed having him as a teacher. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Loren and Connie Delaware says
We will miss your smile. Mentor, friend, and loving Grandfather to his adopted family. We will have another angel in heaven watching over us. Rest In Peace John.
Bob Thaden says
John and I were neighbors for 23 of the last 27 years, but more than that, deep friends. Our shared love of gardening and growing damn near anything drew us together. Despite his sometimes gruff exterior, John had a big expansive heart on the inside. He had a great sense of humor and a strong sense of fairness and justice. Some of his spirit will always be right across the drive, in his garden where he still was hard at it at age 89. We’ll all miss you, John.
Brian Delaware says
Such a great man you were John. This world will miss you dearly. You touched the lives of so many! So sorry for your loss Grandma.
Cody Turnquist says
My deepest sympathies to the Harasymczuk family. He was such a good and nice man! John was my first wrestling coach and taught me many things … I am grateful for him!
May you find blessing and comfort knowing he is in a beautiful place now.
Douglas P Mangen says
To the entire Harasymzkuk Family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Remember him in PE class and going goose hunting with Mike and having to pluck all those geese. May he rest in peace now and he will be looking down on all of your families. He was truly a great and honest man.
Shumon Pius says
I echo the sentiments of Pat and Tony Cline: Mr. H was a great teacher and coach!..and so was his son, David. Glad he made the most of his time on Earth and lived a great life. My best wishes and condolences to all his family and may he rest in peace.
Deb Moore Singleton says
May The Lord comfort you in your loss. John was my physical education instructor while I was at Washington School in Miles City. I believe I had him as a teacher from 3rd to 6th grade. Loved the man! I feel an emptiness in my heart with his passing but also many fond memories.
Charlie Petroff says
I will never forget Mr. H in his gray sweatshirt and sweatpants for PE at Roosevelt school! He was great inspiration. Prayers to the Harasymzkuk family.
Mike Littleton says
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. His impact will forever be felt by everyone who was fortunate enough to ever meet him. God bless you John.
Kamie says
I will never forget Mr. He from PE at Jefferson elementary. So sorry to hear about his passing. My prayers are with his family. What a great man.
john connors says
Dave and family. i am very sorry to hear about John. He was a fantastic man. He had such a positive impact on so many kids and families. I am very grateful for the interest he took in me and the incredible mentoring he provided.
John Connors
Carey Swenson says
David and family
Wanted to extend my condolences. Very obvious reading the above how many lives your dad touched. Can’t say enough about the contributions to the Miles City wrestling program! If there is a wrestling Hall of Fame John should be in there. His name comes up from time to time when visiting about the wrestling days. Highly respected John we will miss you
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great guy great memories of p.e at Washington School.9
Jeffrey A Fretland says
Dear Doug, Dave, and the Harasymchuk families:
I was absolutely flabbergasted to hear of your father’s passing! He was always one of my favorite instructors during my years in elementary school. Many people don’t realize that he taught physical education (in addition to science and other courses) in the Sacred Heart and Miles City Public School Districts for many years. He was also the wrestling coach at Sacred Heart High School, and refereed many matches for the Miles City Wrestling Club. He and Cathy were close friends of my parents, Clinton and Jean Fretland, for many years. John and my father had known each other since my Dad transferred from Scobey to Miles City in 1954. John was well acquainted my mother, Jean Egge Danklefsen Fretland (she was Mrs. Danklefsen back in the 1950’s) and he occasionally taught alongside both of them at Washington School. What a wonderful man he was! He was always amazingly inquisitive and astutely analytical about
everyone and everything. I learned many of life’s lessons from him. He was much like my mother Jean-both possessed a will of iron and steel, and a heart of gold underneath. My Dad always teasingly referred to him as “John Harrygymsocks!” He was a truly stand-up person, and will be greatly missed. He always allowed us to jump on the trampolines after school, as long as we didn’t mention it to anyone else. A deep, provocative secret! Rest in Peace, Mr. Harrygymsocks, now and always. My deepest empathetic condolences to you all, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless you all!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. “Scooter” Fretland
El Paso, Texas
USN (Retired)
John P. Shevlin says
I first met John when he had the summer archery programs in Miles City. He was a great teacher. My deepest condolence to the family. It is always hard to loose a great man.
Bill Eusterman says
The Eusterman Family of Great Falls, MT, previously of Miles City, wish to share our belated, most heartfelt sorrow for the loss of John. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. John and my father were best of friends. Long time hunting buddies. Doug, Michael, Michelle (Missy) and David you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers, always. Leah, thank you for caring for John. He was a good man and will always be remembered as such.
Vincent Eusterman says
Thanks Bill. John was an awesome man with an awesome love for so many. Rest in peace dear fellow soldier and special family friend.
Miles City, Bozeman, Great Falls, MT, and now Denver, CO
US Army Retired