John Leon Istace
February 23, 1940 - September 3, 2025
As published in the September 15, 2025 World-Spectator
John Leon was born February 23, 1940 at his McMillan grandparents’ farm. He was the oldest child of Constant and Anne Istace and grew up on the Istace family farm that he presently owns. He attended school at Saffordea. He married Jean Thompson on August 3, 1963. In 1967 they moved to the Spy Hill, Sask. area where they have remained.
They had two children: Wayne and Donna.
Over the years John has had a variety of jobs, including farming with his dad, working for CNR, Department of Natural Resources at Kenosee Lake, the sawmill also at Kenosee Lake, moving buildings, construction and production at the potash mines near Esterhazy and Rocanville, and the nickel mine at Thompson, Manitoba. But his longest and happiest career was with PFRA Community Pastures—irst as a rider for three summers, and then as a manager for 39 years. John retired in 2012.
He has also been known for buying, selling, breaking, and training horses. Livestock has always been an important part of John’s life. Family summer entertainment was following the rodeo and chuckwagon circuits to cheer on their many friends. John will always be remembered for his little jokes and pranks that he loved to play on everyone.
He was predeceased by his parents Constant and Anne Istace, his son Wayne, his infant brother Fred, his sister Christena Slykhuis, brother-in-law Ivan, their infant son James, and infant great-granddaughter Chloe Moore.
He leaves behind his wife Jean, daughter Donna (David) Deschambault, Grandkids Monique (Ross) Priestley - Callum, Myelle and Willen, Sarah Deschambault – Nicole, Carmelle (Travis) Moore - Owen and Evan, Danielle (Laine) Bonchuk - Bentley, Jessie and Beau, Damien (Paulette) Deschambault - Noah, Leo and Nicolas, Brady (Kali) Istace - Aubree, Tucker and Bexley, Sisters Eileen (Emile) Laronge, Jeannette (John) Gall, several nieces and nephews.
A Prayer Vigil was held Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 7 pm, with Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 8 at 10 am from St. Ann Catholic Church, Kennedy, Sask. Donations in John’s name can be made to: St. Anthony’s Hospital – Palliative Care, Esterhazy, Saskatchewan.
Peter Carscadden Funeral Service in care of arrangements. (306) 745-3304
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