John Baptist Mifsud

1937 – 2026

John Baptist Mifsud was born on June 1, 1937, in Qormi, Malta, to parents Anthony and Rose. He was raised on a small family farm and, as a young boy, endured the hardships of the Siege of Malta during World War II.

Inspired by Hollywood films portraying the United States as a land of opportunity, John left Malta in 1957, travelling by ship to New York. When his application for landed immigrant status in the U.S. was declined, he was redirected to Montreal. From there, he and his friends traveled and worked in various cities across Canada.

In 1958, John met his first wife, Barbara, in Calgary. They married in Toronto in 1962 and had two children, Darren and Carol. The family eventually settled on an acreage in Ardrossan, Alberta. Though initially undeveloped, John and Barbara transformed the property into a beautiful home through years of hard work and dedication.

John met his second wife, Erna, approximately 25 years ago. Together they shared a love of walking groups, gardening, and travel. They explored Canada and the United States in their camper van and journeyed to several countries overseas.

John was known for his love of conversation and companionship. He enjoyed nature, gardening, hiking, humour, and travel, and he brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.

John passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in Stony Plain after a battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Erna; her children, Alan and Terry, and their families; his children, Darren (Lois) and Carol; the mother of his children, Barbara; his daughter-in-law, Katrina; and his grandchildren, Molly and Farley. He is also survived by his siblings Joe, Sam, Jane, and Georgina, along with their families.

He was predeceased by his siblings Martha and Manuel, as well as his son-in-law, Keith.