February 8, 1953 ~ October 6, 2022
It is with great sadness we say goodbye to John – husband, father, grandfather, uncle and a friend to many, who passed away at the age of 69. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years Sharon, sons Bryan and Jamie, daughter-in-law Candice, granddaughters Taylor and Hayden, his sister Cathie Colpitts, and numerous nephews and nieces. John was predeceased by his parents Allan and Lillian, and his sister Judy.
John was born in Whitemouth, MB and attended school in Rennie, MB and later high school in Whitemouth, MB. He attended Red River College and then went to Maritime Forestry school in Fredericton, NB. After graduation, he worked in the Northwest Territories before returning to Manitoba. His career as a Natural Resource Officer and being a member of the Provincial Fire Team led him to multiple posts in northern Manitoba and the Interlake before transferring to Hadashville, MB where he retired after 39 years of service in 2013. Over his career, John worked with many people and made numerous friends over the years.
John loved the outdoors, particularly trapping, hunting, and fishing. John began trapping with his dad and then took the line over himself, teaching his sons over the years. Jamie would frequently be out on the line with John checking traps, building a trapper’s camp, and getting some ice fishing in. John’s love of the outdoors was passed down to another generation with Taylor and Hayden enjoying fishing trips with Papa John.
Not one to sit still, John started a firewood and lawn care business after his retirement with Sharon, meeting several new people and making new friends. Sharon was eventually able to convince him to take some time off and try a cruise. Given his love of fishing, she thought it would be easy to convince him to get on a boat but after some arm twisting, he agreed to go. After enjoying the trip, he gladly got on the next ship, having gone to the Caribbean twice and to Alaska.
In honouring John’s wishes, there will be no service.
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Gloria Hill
I am so sorry for your loss Cathie. Keep the memories of John close to your heart and find comfort in knowing he had a wonderful life.
God Bless you and your family. Gloria Hill
Cathie
Thank you Gloria. I flew out to Manitoba for a week and we had a lovely family celebration of John’s life. I will miss him very much.
Gerald C Hawranik
It was sad to hear about John’s passing. John, Peter, Terry and I were best friends throughout High School in Whitemouth. We would play football every lunch hour at the Community Grounds just to the North of the school. I spent a few overnights at the Rodger’s family home when in High School, going trapping and fishing with John. I curled on his curling team while in High School. John was a great curler and he was always the skip for the team. I was always the lead…not by choice, but because John could not in all conscience find a greater role for me on the team. lol. One year we got together and trapped together and split the profits. He loved to repair old cars and we would race them on the old PTH 44 highway near Rennie when we were in High School. He was and is a gentle soul who would not utter a bad word about anyone. I was grateful that he was able to attend our 50th High School reunion in Whitemouth last month. It gave me a chance to connect with him one more time. I never thought that this would have been my last conversation with him. He was a very good father and grandfather and he was extremely proud of them all. May God Bless and comfort Sharon, Bryan, Jamie, Candice, Taylor, Hayden, and Cathy. May John rest in peace and may his memory remain in your hearts forever.
Fred & Donna Shandroski
Dear Sharon & family…..
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of John. He had the most friendliest personality, a great sense of humour with a great smile.
Always remember you racing your blue Firebird at the Keystone Drag Races (near Richer) and drinking Zing wine while working for CP Railway.
Rest peacefully.
Jack & Christine Kowalchuk
I could have not asked for a better neigbouring conservation officer, When he was in Hadashville and I in Beausejour, we as lone rangers covered each other during the hunting seasons. He was always cool and willing to attend to help regardless of the situation. No overtime! He was well liked in Gypsumville and a very good wildfire investigator. He loved to sit quietly and await for the night hunter or for another violator that took advantage of wildlife and fish resources for personal gain. He knew all of their tricks. He was kind, gentle and truly loved a challenge. The First Nations had great respect for him as a conservation officer. Rest in peace John and our condolences to Sharon and family.
Irene Paterson
Dear Sharon,
We’re so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Cherish your memories.
Larry and Irene Paterson
Bill Bordynuik
So sad to hear of John”s passing. I knew him well in high school because of curling.
Sheila Sutyla
Condolences to Sharon and the family.
I worked in the Office in Hadashville when John was a Conservation Officer there. He was truly a gentle and kind person. Sorry to hear of his sudden passing.
Dennis & Rosalie
Our condolences to you Jamie, Candice, Taylor, and Hayden… Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time… Cherish the memories you have of him… Dennis & Rosalie
Lisa
My sincere condolences to Sharon and family.
Eddy Volmering
Our sincere condolences go out to you Jamie, it is always hard losing a father, Candice, Taylor and Hayden you will miss your grandpa, but always remember the fun times you had with him.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you journey through the grieving process, in the process, always remember the happy times, and the special times you all had together
Auntie Elaine, Eddy, Jen, Roland, Kyle, Jos and Keryn
Margit MacCharles
To all of John’s Family we extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Cherish and Treasure your memories of him.
Rod & Marg MacCharles (nee Kunz)
The Pas MB
John and Connie Lachnit
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful person to work with and lots of fun to be around. Enjoyed having him as a boss and friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon, Bryan and Jamie and family
John and Connie Lachnit
John and Connie Lachnit
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful person to work with and lots of fun to be around. Enjoyed having him as a boss and friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon, Bryan and Jamie and family
Grant Olender
Great man. Always a joy to visit with and work with.
Ian and Stephanie Chatel
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Enjoyed my time working with him at Manitoba Conservation. Sending our deepest condolences to Sharon, Bryan, Jamie and family.