John Kaleka

1938 - 2018

KALEKA, John
March 25, 1938 – November 24, 2018

John Kaleka passed away peacefully on November 24, 2018 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. John was born on March 25, 1938 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Mary and Andrew Kaleka. He grew up, as he liked to reminisce, "on the wrong side of the tracks" in Winnipeg. As a young man, John worked for Manitoba Hydro in the fields of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. In 1965, John moved to Alberta and worked for a short time with Calgary Power. His career focus changed when he started working as a salesman for Canada Carbon and Ribbon. John's entrepreneurial spirit and his awareness of the growing opportunities surrounding the computer industry soon led him to start his own business, Adanac Carbon and Ribbon with his close friend, Doug Dysart. John was the soul and strength of Adanac and he led his company through nearly 40 years of prosperous business.
John lived for over 25 years on his Bearspaw acreage with Bernice and their three children. He enjoyed being a part of the vibrant Bearspaw community and he was actively involved with community clubs and events and with raising his children. John was one of the original members of the Bearspaw Golf and Country Club and enjoyed many seasons of "average but enjoyable" golf with friends. John spent the last 20 years of his life in Cochrane with Norma in their home on the Bow River where he continued to enjoy his family, his friends, and his beautiful backyard.
John will be deeply missed by his supportive partner, Norma Mayor, his three children, Sherri (Keith) Luft, Jodi McCrady and Glen Kaleka, his grandchildren Ben, Meghan and Chelsea Luft and Katya and Mackenzie McCrady, Norma's daughter Kimberly (Colin) Manz and their children Jason and Olivia, Norma's son Brad, and his many friends and business associates. John was predeceased by his sister Jennie (Edward) Kubara.
At John's request, an informal celebration of his life with family and friends will be held at a later date.
John, "Big Guy", we will miss the sparkle in your blue eyes, your amazingly positive outlook, your unwavering optimism and your gift for conversation. We will remember your ability to treat every day as a gift and try to follow in your footsteps.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneralhom.com. Ph: 403-932-1039.