John Durance

January 27, 1939 – December 26, 2016

It is with much sorrow and sadness that we share with you the passing of John on December 26, 2016. He will always be remembered for his infectious easy smile and mischievous grin. Left here to carry his memories forever are his wife of 55 years, Evelyn; son, Darren; sister, Mary (of Petrolia, ON), sister Elizabeth (of Sarnia, ON); also many brothers, sisters-in-law, many, many nieces, nephews and friends. John was predeceased by two infant children, Jeffery and Christy; his parents; brothers, Ed, Don and Bob; sister, Marg; many brothers and sisters-in-law; also a “Best Buddy”, Richard Schroh. From the age of seventeen, John began his truck driving career and his first driving job was hauling fish from Lake Superior to Chicago. He remained in the trucking industry in one way or another for the rest of his life, where he made many lifelong friends along the way. One of his greatest achievements was being the recipient of a million mile accident free safety award, of which he took much pride in. John was a very verbal and loud fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. He faithfully watched every game he could and cheered for them win or lose. Several years ago we went to Toronto to watch them play. He always considered it one of the best trips we ever made. John always loved his home and yard, especially having the greenest, weed free and thickest lawn. He watered, fertilized and coaxed (the grass), as it had to be one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. He would then sit on his back patio sipping beer while watering and watching the grass grow. His saying was “Isn’t it a picture of health?” John also spent countless hours with his son working on Darren’s yard, house and just “hanging out” together. He was the “Best Dad”. John loved animals, his latest was a special cat, “Frosty” that he had adopted after it had frozen his ears and part of his tail off. They had a special bond together. Frosty was able to visit John in the hospital and as ill as John was, he had smiles for Frosty. John also formed a wonderful fifteen year friendship with a close neighbor, who had a garage/workshop. They did many things in the workshop as Richard could fix or build anything he laid his hands on and John learned a lot from him. John loved nothing more than to be at the shop helping Richard or doing many of his own repairing and fixing. They spent hours visiting and working on many projects together. They always enjoyed spending time together. At John’s request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, John would have been pleased with donations made in his name to his favorite charity, Street Cats Rescue Program (2750 Faithfull Ave. #108, Saskatoon, SK S7K 6M6).

“God saw you getting tired, there was no cure to be. He gently put his arms around you and said now come with me.”

Cremation arrangements in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200