John Hornsby

It is with sadness that we share the passing of John Hornsby a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. John, aged 69, left us suddenly on April 14, 2017 at Chinook Hospice in Calgary, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and diabetes.

Born in Middlesbrough, UK, to Robert and Joyce (Manning) Hornsby in 1947, John spent his early years with the Boy Scouts, avidly climbing and camping throughout England and Scotland. John danced and fell in love with Dorothy Mary Lewis, proposing to her the night they won a bronze medal at a dancing competition in 1968. On March 23, 2017, John and Dorothy celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary, surrounded by friends and family.

His contribution to the steel industry was extensive, spending most of his adult life working on different projects around North America. John was a kind hearted, hardworking man leaving behind him a legacy of love and accomplishments. He was a perpetual happy wood worker and created many pieces of art that are greatly admired by friends and family. Golf was a particularly invested pastime and John loved to watch it, play it, and talk about it. If the TV was on in the house, it was showing Golf.

“Our John” is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Joyce, and by his brother Derrick. He is remembered by his wife Dorothy Mary Hornsby; three daughters, Erena (Loran) Friedrich, Lorraine (Jack) Porcello, Julia (Dan) Hogan; six grandchildren Mareike Friedrich, Michaela Friedrich, Madison Friedrich, Mercedes Friedrich, Abbie (Tim) Vaillancourt, and Bethany Porcello; two great-grandchildren, Jordan Porcello and Sydney Vaillancourt; and five siblings, Robert (Elizabeth) Hornsby, David (Cynthia) Hornsby, Dorothy (David) Breckon, Lorna (Jim) Harrison, and Angela (Gary) Williamson.

Family and friends of John extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary for looking after “Our John” so well. Particularly Stacia, who put her heart into everything she did for John. We are grateful to you.

A Visitation will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate) on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate), on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in John’s memory directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, (1331 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 9Z9).

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca