Our family is deeply saddened with the passing of John Suranyi on December 4, 2022 at the age of 82. He was at peace in his final days, surrounded by his wife and children.
John leaves behind his beloved wife Yolanda (nee Maniquis); children Teresa (Sten), Karen (Ken), Vera and Jonathan; and grandchildren Kevin, Sarah and Henry. John is also survived by his sister Vera, niece Zsuzsa and nephew Peter in Hungary.
John came to Canada as a teenager, leaving his family and country behind during a time of war. Speaking no English and without any family or support, he not only survived, but thrived in Canada. When John met his future wife, Yolanda, he knew that she was the one, even continuing to court her once she returned to her birthplace in the Philippines. They remained married for 56 years, until his death.
While his body began to fail him over the years, his mind remained sharp and his will strong. There were countless times that medical professionals prepared his family for his death, only for John’s fighting spirit to prove everyone wrong. Convinced that he would outlive everyone, our family is still coming to terms with the fact that he is no longer here in body, though we know he remains with us in spirit.
Our family acknowledges, with sincere gratitude, the dedication and compassionate care that John received in Vancouver General Hospital.
At his request, no funeral will be held. However, our family has celebrated his life at a private family function. Extended family and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories at www.kearneyfs.com.
John’s final resting place will be Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver, where he will have a beautiful view of the mountains.