The combat is over The conflict has ended A chariot of fire from the dark clouds descended Its drivers were angels on horses of whiteness Its burning wheels turned on axles of brightness A seraph unfolded the door bright and shining, all dazzling like gold from the seventh refining And the one that went up from the great tribulation, had mounted the chariot and steeds of salvation. (An excerpt from Jean Val Jean) John Alex Fedirko was born on April 10th, 1940, the second son of 6 children born to William and Mary Fedirko. John grew up on the family farm west of Nora. In his younger years he enjoyed farming, hunting, and trapping with his father. On August 6th, 1966, he married Irene Jaworski, and they made their first home in Macrorie, Saskatchewan, where he worked as a carpenter on the construction of the Gardiner Dam. In 1968, his strong desire for working the land led him back to farming. They settled east of Rose Valley where they made their lives together farming a modest 3 quarters of land and raised their 9 children. John along with his wife of 50 years, instilled in their children the important values of faith, family, and a strong work ethic. He modelled this by his early mornings out on the field, yet his assurance to make it home in time to share a meal with his family. He respected the Sabbath as a day of rest, attending mass at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston, and spent quality time with his family playing softball, cards or visiting with relatives. John enjoyed watching western movies, listening to country music, and was a graceful dancer. He loved hunting and every year would anxiously await the news as to whether he was successful in the draw. John’s greatest passion was farming and he took pride in his three sons following in his footsteps. He particularly looked forward to the harvest season. Driving the combine brought him much joy and contentment. In the later years, as he semi-retired from his farming responsibilities, raising his cattle gave him purpose and enjoyment. This also gave him more time to invest in fishing with his sons-in-law and spoiling his grandchildren with hugs and ice cream. John was diagnosed with lung cancer in April of 2015, and after a courageous battle was taken to be with our Lord on September 1, 2016. He was predeceased by his father William (1969); mother Mary (2007); sister Rose in infancy; brother Peter Fedirko (1999); sister Anne Fedirko (2007) and brothers-in-law George Davis (1992) and Peter Morozoff (2007). He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Irene; three sons and six daughters: Joanne Fedirko, Debora (Edward) Zimroz, Jackie (Dwight) Guy, Mark Fedirko, Matthew (Tina) Fedirko, Judy (Rob) Davis, Cindy (Mike) Giroux, Monica (Dennis) Corcoran, Michael (Mallory) Fedirko; 24 grandchildren, sisters Bella Morozoff and Barbara Lapointe and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives. John will be remembered for his humility, generosity, devotion to his family, and love for the land. He will be sadly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2016 St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Fosston, SK. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2016 St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Fosston, SK