March 2, 1935 – July 20, 2011
Love, humour, song, and creativity are the spirit of John. This spirit of joy will be sadly missed by family and friends, but many happy memories will keep us smiling and brighten the days ahead.
After suffering for several months with severe back pain, he was diagnosed in spring with asbestos-related cancer. He then had a short five months to share with his beloved wife of 47 years Alma and their children Jared (Adair Roberts), Raina (Mark Landry-Doran), Colin, and his daughter Lisa. His love and playfulness will forever be cherished and his memory kept alive for his grandchildren Rayven, Jacob, Duncan and James.
He will also be deeply missed by his brothers Ulric and Marcel and sisters Bernadette, Francoise, Madeleine, and Sister Lucienne. He was predeceased by his father Francois, mother Blandine and sister Therese.
John was born and raised in Vimy, Alberta and his heart never strayed far from his hometown roots. Many of his lifelong friends came from his childhood in the area. He was an avid lover of the outdoors enjoying hunting, fishing and spending many summers with friends and family at the cottage in Lac La Biche. John made friends wherever he went and kept friendships from early jobs at Texaco, to his decades in real estate and later working for the Edmonton Catholic School Board. Through his life, music was in John’s heart. He had a powerful singing voice and enjoyed performing as a soloist, as a member of the Edmonton Opera, and in musical theatre. His humour, his love, and his friendship will be missed by many.
Special thanks to Eric Niclaes and Vivian Morton as well as all the nurses and caregivers who helped John in his final months.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 10:45 am at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church, 10020 100 Avenue, Morinville.
If you wish, you may make a donation to Ducks Unlimited Canada (www.ducks.ca) in lieu of flowers.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.memoriesfuneral.com
Memories
Funeral Home & Crematorium
Reception Centre
780-454-9111
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