John Steven Vancak

September 16, 1958 - March 3, 2021 With deep sadness, Mrs. Ruby-Jane (Croskery) Vancakand Dr. Catherine Jane (Vancak) Graham wish to inform others that their beloved husband and father, Mr. John Steven Vancak, has passed away in Fairhope, Alabama, of complications following COVID-19. John was capable of taking any level of angst and turning it into a clear, sunny day. He did it with such quiet ease that it was sometimes tempting to believe that others could do the same. But nothing could be further from the truth. There’s no one who could’ve done what John did for his family, his staff and business, or his friends. John learned his work ethic, discipline and creativity as a youngster, growing up on the family cattle ranch, in Mountain View, Alberta. While accompanying his father Steve (1926 -1984) on many business outings, he learned the enormous power of quiet listening, and the strength of a disarming smile. From his mother, Matilda (Kormos) (1931-1984), he received lessons in unconditional love. He always described her as a very loving mother. John’s childhood was also spent dismantling anything motorized, discovering how it worked, and putting it back together again — skills that would serve him well later in life. At school, his love was basketball. His many successes included being Most Valuable Player several years in a row. After graduation, John entered the Dept. of Economics at the University of Lethbridge. A high achiever academically, John consistently made the Dean’s Honour Roll before completing his BA (Hon) Econ., in 1984. The 1980s were significant in John’s life. He married Ruby-Jane, the love of his life, on December 23, 1983. After moving to Calgary, they started a small manufacturing business, producing gas-fired, infrared radiant industrial heaters. And it began to grow…along with a beautiful baby daughter, Catherine Jane, who arrived on June 25, 1987. An outstanding father, John and Catherine sincerely and enthusiastically doted on the other for as long as John lived. John passionately devoted his working years to growing the company, now Calcana Industries in Calgary, Alberta, and forming Calcana USA, in Loxley, Alabama. With his partner, Ken Black, (GLBH) he produced heaters in record numbers, for restaurant, business and home owners who wanted to keep their outdoor spaces comfortably warm. John loved running Calcana, and threw himself into it with tremendous energy. His goal, never to stop. He felt work was the secret to a long and happy life. Sadly, he was not to have the chance to test his theory for another twenty years. John is also survived by his son-in-law, Dr. Matt Graham of Cullman, Alabama and his three sisters, Wendy Marie (Bruce) Hulbert of Redding, California; Cindy Ann (Nick) Tytkanychof Cochrane, Alberta, and Dixie Lee Vancak of Calgary. He has left behind a number of cousins and their children, all of Alberta, and his Aunt Cheryl Kormos of Lethbridge, Alberta. Our dearest John, thank you so much for every moment of generosity, love, and sacrifice you lavished upon our little family. We will remember and love you, fiercely, and forever. A time of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of John Steven Vancak will held on October 9th 2:00 - 5:00 The Venue, 105 South Section Street Fairhope, Alabama 36532 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in John’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation