John William Mutch

After fighting Alzheimer’s for 9 years with no complaints from John, it is with great sadness that the family of John William Mutch announce his passing on Nov. 23, 2022. John was born in Neepawa, MB on Sept. 1, 1935, the eldest of 11 children (John, Jim, Jeanie, Nona, Ken, Dave, Barbara, Don, Roger, Heather, Wes). John was predeceased by his parents John and Jean Mutch, Brother Ken, as well as Father and Mother-in-Law, Adolph/Emily Sillen.

At the age of 8, John started school at Oak Leaf. This is where he would eventually meet in 1963, and marry in 1964, the “Love of His Life” Marlene (nee Sillen). At the age of twelve and not liking school, John hit the road looking for a job. In the next 53 years, John was employed in numerous places in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. His “career path” found him working as a farm hand, steam insulator, pool hall attendant, railroader, oil rigger, iron ore driller, logger, mechanic, gas station owner, school custodian, Auction Sale Shopper and a Professional Sunbather.

John loved curling, dancing, card games, country music, Fall Suppers, winter-sun destination vacations, trips to visit family in Thunder Bay and to the Shooting Star Casino, fishing, berry picking, buying and driving new vehicles, watching T.V., especially Game Shows and reading obituaries in the Free Press.

Left to cherish all the fond memories of times together with lots of laughs even sometimes to tears are: Marlene, his wife of 58 years; son Kevin (Vana); granddaughter Sarah (Evan); great grandson Lucas, (Papa loved babies…so thankful he got to spend time with Lucas…thanks Sarah and Evan); Tucker (John loved dogs and all animals…thanks Tucker, for entertaining Papa); grandson Ryan (Brittany), (Bob Barker togetherness, Hot Wheels fun and cards); daughter Myra (Cory); grandson Zachary (Kelly), (Papa enjoyed all the card games and fishing trips especially when he was catching); granddaughter Kendra, (Papa loved your daily FaceTimes, your hilarious videos with you and him and all those contagious laughs); sister-in-law Diane (Bill)…always there for us; niece Tracy (Garry);great niece Chelsi; brother-in-laws Brian Sillen (Lorette) and Johnny Sillen.

Our sincere thanks to all family and friends who shared in John’s life. Special thanks to Garry Kobylak, (an awesome neighbour who took over cutting our grass and shovelling our snow, once John couldn’t do it anymore); to Ben, (a card partner like none other); to John’s brother, Dave (Ruth) for the numerous phone calls and texts); to Comfort Keepers Staff, (a special shout out to Breann and Neelam); and to Poseidon Staff, (your care, patience and understanding in our difficult time was top-notch).

We will definitely miss John’s winning smile and his off the cuff comments. There will be a celebration of John’s life at a later date.

John was proud to be a Legion Member and thoroughly enjoyed his weekly Thursday Crib Nights. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, if you wish, a donation may be made to the Fort Garry Legion #90, or to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Mutch family.