John Arthur Pelletier

October 25, 1921 – October 18, 2016

Peacefully, after a brief illness, John Arthur Pelletier passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at the St. Boniface Hospital.

He was predeceased by his wife of almost 61 years, Bernice, on March 14, 2015.

Left to forever cherish his memory are his four daughters: Maureen Watt (Derek), Elaine Pelletier (Tom Czyczko), Patti Cherney (John), Lynn Valde (Peter); grandchildren: Cian (Bonnie), Shannon (Dan), Shaman (Cora), Lila, Kyzyl, Skye, Kieran and Dayna.He also leaves to mourn his 4 sisters, 1 brother, and many other extended family members and friends.

John was born on October 25, 1921 in St. Boniface, MB. He was a 3 pound preemie who was kept in a shoebox on the stove for the first few weeks of his life. His enthusiasm for lifelong learning began at a young age and he was forever inquisitive about people, places, science and life in general.

He left school at age 15 to help support the family, working at Keewatin Lumber until he joined the army on June 18, 1940. After the war, he attended United College (University of Winnipeg) and the University of Manitoba, studying all the Arts and Sciences courses he could cram into his schedule. He ultimately settled on a Bachelor of Arts degree, although he did prefer the Sciences. He obtained his Master of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1975, specializing in City Planning.

John began his diverse work career as a geologist with Union Oil of California in 1950, eventually retiring as a city planner from the Province of Manitoba in 1987. He loved being on the open road and enjoyed his many years travelling all over Canada and the USA for work. Dad always said he had itchy feet and was up for any adventure at a moment’s notice.

Dad loved to tenpin bowl! He began in 1946, and had only just retired his bowling shoes this past fall after 70 years of bowling! An avid bowler, he participated in many tournaments both locally and internationally. In 2014, John and Bernice were officially recognized as Canada’s Oldest Active Bowling Couple, a nod to their lifelong passion for the sport.

In March 2016, Dad travelled to Kelowna and Vernon, BC, visiting family and exploring the Okanagan Valley. He especially loved taking the winery tours and learning how wine is made. Then in August, he travelled to Victoria, BC, to visit with family and tour the island. He loved walking around the Butchart Gardens and was thrilled to ride the Rose Carousel – his first time ever!

Our Dad was an amazing man! He lived every day to the fullest and always encouraged us to take each day as it came, never worrying about the future. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Dad will be sadly missed but never forgotten as we will treasure the memories we shared.

Special thanks to the St. Boniface Hospital ER and floor 6E for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness to our Dad.

Please join us at the memorial service and celebration of John’s life on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Highway 1 East at Navin Road. A private interment will follow at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.