John Duncan Gammie

He leaves his son Allen Gammie (Edmonton) and stepson James Hance (Kelowna) remembering his kindness and generosity.

Allen recalls Dad telling him life is like a clock that has been wound once; no one knows when its hands will stop moving. Though we grieve the fact that his earthly time has come to an end, we are thankful for a father who has contributed and will continue to contribute so much to our lives. Even as we bear the sorrow of his absence we would not wish that he be held back from the eternal time of beauty and glory the Lord has set in motion for him.

John Duncan Gammie was born in Drumheller, AB on April 11, 1926 to Jessie Ann and Jack Gammie. Both his sister Ann and Dad grew up with sports being a vital part of their childhood.

Hockey was Dad’s passion; baseball, swimming and curling kept him going when not skating at the arena or on the ice of the river. He was sufficiently skilled at hockey to aspire to playing professionally. Service in WWII and marriage changed these ambitions. Through his life, however, nothing would give him more enjoyment than “talking hockey” with others (until in later years he believed such conversation had become too political).

At 18, Dad married his high school sweetheart, Stella Teshier and was drafted to Barrie, Ontario to train as a soldier. The War ended with Dad never making it overseas. He returned home to his wife and began working as a shoemaker. From this experience Dad always maintained one could tell a gentleman by the shoes he wears.

John’s son, Allen Barrie Gammie, was born May 25, 1945 with a profound hearing loss. This circumstance coloured John's life to the point where helping others became an integral focus for him. He loved to referee youth hockey and baseball and was known for his generosity to any man who might need no more than a good laugh or a cup of coffee (or something stronger!). John Gammie personified loyalty and anyone who knew him knew it.

In his early 20s, John and his father decided to become farmers together. When he realized agriculture was not his forte, Dad joined Canadian Utilities, climbing poles during the day while studying accounting at nights. After earning his accountancy degree he moved from outside to inside for the remainder of his stay in Drumheller.

Late in the 1960's John and Stella moved to Edmonton to start a new life there, Dad as a sales representative and bookkeeper for Palm Dairy and Mom as a teacher at AVC College.

The early 1980's would see Dad starting a new life in Kelowna with his new partner Norma Hance. They were together until Norma’s death in 2014. It was in Kelowna he retired, to spend the rest of his life enjoying the orchards, traveling, bowling, and keeping in touch with and visiting his loved ones.

John was a private man but when the occasion arose, he could be a charmer. His enormous heart, his common sense, and his sense of humour could make him the life of any gathering. His natural charisma and willingness to “be there” when needed, especially as a listener, made him extremely popular. No one benefitted from his qualities more than his wives and sons. Among the multitude of small things Dad did to make a difference, two come to mind: a certificate and medal for donating blood for seventy years; receiving the Allan Cup Ring for coaching the Drumheller Miners. Even during his last few months at the Kelowna General Hospital and Rehab and Brookhaven Care his example to them deepened his sons’ understanding and acceptance of death.\

At his request, there will be no memorial or funeral. At 98, he outlived his parents, sister, wives and numerous loved ones. He wished to be remembered as a simple man who could not have envisioned a better life than the one he enjoyed.

Donations in John's memory may be directed to a charity of your choice.

A heartfelt thanks to the staff of KGH, Bethel Care Centre and REHAB.

We commend our loved one to your tender care, O Lord. Dad is yours forever.

Miss Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love and laughter we shared Miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey we must take And each must go alone,

It's part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

So when you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Miss me but let me go.

No idea who wrote this, but found it in Dad's drawer, faded and frail. Here's to you Dad, and remember my heart is with you always and and in all ways.

Condolences May be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299