John Darwin Fuhr

Born in Carvel, Alberta, to Phillip Fuhr and Theresa (Miller) Fuhr, John was raised in the close-knit Blueberry area alongside his siblings Richard (Sigi), Marjorie (Gerald) McGinn, and Carol (Jim) Walker. His early years were shaped by the warmth of his family and the strong values instilled in him in his community. After attending Red Deer High School in Red Deer, Alberta, John quickly embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship.

In 1960, John married Marlene Margaret Nernberg, with whom he built a loving family and shared a lifetime of memories. Together they had three children: Brent (Darcy), Leighann (Kevin), and Kellie (John). John was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—Tiffany, Joshua (Courtney), Benjamin, Carter, Malakai, and Tressa—and a great-grandfather to two great-grandsons, Oscar and Milo. After Marlene passed, John went on to marry Doris Wendel in 2008.

John’s life was enriched by gatherings with family and friends, whether he was hosting his famous Sunday steak BBQ dinners, traveling by motorhome for vacations or special events, or simply sharing moments of joy and laughter with those he loved.

John’s business pursuits were marked by determination and success. Shortly after high school, he returned to his roots to start a gravel truck business. Alongside his father Phillip and brother Richard, he later established the Ford dealership Fuhr & Sons in 1960 in Spruce Grove, which evolved into Fuhr Ford Lincoln Mercury Ltd. After selling the dealership, John continued his business ventures by Alberta Homes Ltd., a real estate and mobile home sales business.

An adventurer at heart, John obtained his private pilot’s license and flew his single-engine, Rockwell Commander well into his late 70’s. His love for flying took him across Manitoba to visit his wife’s family, to the ski slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho, and to various small towns where he scouted mobile homes. His playful spirit was legendary, particularly for the times he was known to buzz the family house at Beach Corner in his plane.

In addition to his business accomplishments, John relished a vibrant social life. He enjoyed boating at Wabamun Lake, skiing in Jasper, and attending Edmonton Eskimo football games, Edmonton Oiler hockey games, and his grandsons’ minor hockey matches. Camping, quadding, and memorable family vacations—from Maui and Oahu to winter retreats in Yuma, Arizona—filled his life with joy. He also delighted in cruising to Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean with his former wife Doris, as well as hosting the occasional pool party, playing blackjack at the casino, and playing crib with his family.

John leaves behind a legacy full of adventure, entrepreneurship, and many cherished memories by all who knew him.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to caregiver Esmerelda Avila, AHS Westview Homecare and Serving Hands for Seniors for their exceptional caregiving support, and to the dedicated medical and nursing staff at Westview Community Hospital, Acute and Palliative Care.

A funeral service to celebrate John’s remarkable life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1533 Parkland Drive, Parkland County, Alberta T7Y 2T6. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.