One of Steinbach’s last World War Two veterans was laid to rest Tuesday morning. 

Sir John Owczar was born in Sprague in August of 1922 and joined the army shortly after his 20th birthday. Owczar served with the South Alberta Tank Corps as a trooper between 1943 and 1945 in the liberation of France. Steinbach Legion President Bill Richards says he knew Owczar very well and was sad to hear of his passing.

Owczar joined the Steinbach Legion in 1946 and is what Richard calls a lifetime member. 

"He was a dedicated member of this legion. He was a dedicated family member. He was a very humourous, humble and giving individual. He was just a joy to be with at any time and he really appreciated anything that we did for him and just an all-around wonderful guy."

Sir John Owczar receiving the French Legion Medal of Honour in 2016Owczar received several medals for his service overseas including the 1939 to 1945 Star, the French-German Star, the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal, the Canadian Medal and the French Legion Medal of Honour. As Richard explains, the French Legion Medal of Honour is the most prestigious honour that can be awarded by the French government which also comes with the title of 'Sir'. 

Richards says Owczar will be dearly missed. 

"He was just a great man," Richards adds.

Owczar’s funeral was Tuesday morning at the Christ Our Saviour Catholic Parish in Steinbach.