1923-2013
John passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 surrounded by loving family. He will be sadly missed by daughters Lisa (Michael Gaunt) and Janis (Brian Nelson); grandchildren Breton (Brandy), Alix, Geordie and Chloe; twin sister Joan Williams; sister-in-law Evelyn Panton; extended family members and the many, many friends he made over the years. John was predeceased by wife Daphne, brother Jim, sister Mary Gordon, brother-in-law Jack Gordon and brother-in-law Herb Williams. John was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, quickly followed by twin sister Joan. When John and Joan were 13, the family moved to Kelowna, British Columbia where John finished his education and later joined the Air Force. John completed his training with the RCAF and earned his wings in 1944. He and Daphne met at the Canadian Forces base in Churchill, Manitoba and they married in Winnipeg in 1954. John and Daphne spent the first several years of their marriage traveling and working on RCAF bases, including Cold Lake, Alberta where Lisa was born. Janis was born almost 2 years later in Toronto. The family moved to Calgary in 1966 where John worked as a technical representative for Solar Gas Turbines. John and Daphne quickly built up a network of close friends in their new home town and were renowned for their hospitality. John was a loving and generous father and grandfather and was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family. John's generosity extended to the community. He gave unstintingly of his time and energy to the Lions Club for nearly 40 years, including a term as District Governor in 1985-86. He was awarded a lifetime membership and inducted into the Lions Hall of Fame in 2006. As part of his work with the Lions, John was instrumental in the start-up of STARS Air Ambulance. He continued his volunteer work with STARS from its inception in 1985 until the last year of his life. There is little doubt that John was best known for his sense of humour. He was the master of the bad pun and had a smile and a joke for everyone – even in the last weeks of his life. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. John's family extends a special thank you to Dr. McKenna and the wonderful caring staff on Unit 46 at the Foothills Medical Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 or a charity of choice in John's memory. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.
FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM
Telephone: 403-297-0888
Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial
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