November 28, 1937 – January 15, 2022
John Edwin Bellin, 84 years of Lac du Bonnet, MB was reunited with Annie, the love of his life on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Please ‘put a listen’ as Dad would say to his favourite song by Hank Snow – It’s You Only You That I Love – and rejoice. For Dad‘s heart is whole again. After 39 years of marriage then losing his wife Annie in 2001, Mom and Dad are now together.
This gentle giant was a devoted father to his children Duane (Barb) Bellin and Tracey (Lawrence) Ramsay and a beloved Papa to his grandchildren Shawn & Kaylee (Trevor) Bellin and Tyson & Teya Ramsay. His darling Teya beat him to the pearly gates in 2013 and took a piece of his heart with her. John was the corner stone of the Bellin family and will be missed by his sisters Mildred (Leo) Wauhkonen, Judy (Al) Beauchemin, Norma (Donnie) Hladki and sister in law Betty Attewell. Preceding him to the promised land were John’s baby brother Bertie Bellin who passed when dad was nine and his brother and sister in laws Arthur (Eileen) Arneson, Elsie (Bill) Symbolic and Fred Attewell. John was especially thankful to Uncle Bill for all the camaraderie and Wednesday trips to Winnipeg for Whopper lunches these last 20 years. There are also many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends that will dearly miss their Uncle Johnny.
Dad was a real go-getter and worked hard his whole life. He quit school at 14 to work the family farm in Riverland then got a job with The Section Gang building the railroad to Pointe du Bois. Swinging a hammer all day driving steel spikes into railroad ties was hard work. In his heyday of physical shape dad could chin himself 25 times with one arm and split his shirt sleeves flexing his biceps. Anyone who has shook John’s hand knows of his bone crushing vice grip. In his trucking years Dad was up before the first crow pooped every morning working 18 hour days to provide for us. A favourite memory, besides going to the pit with him on weekends, was his daily ritual. Without fail Dad would flick his tandem truck lights three times in the dark every morning when he left the yard “I–love–you”. And Mom would stand at the front door and respond in kind with three hard flicks of the porch light switch often waking us kids. Mom would keep Dad’s supper warm for hours waiting for his return. Dad gained 65 pounds his first year of marriage because Mom was such a good cook. Also the fact that he was a total cookie monster didn’t help. Johnny had a penchant for sweets that was legendary. He liked dessert at every meal. He would say – would you care for a “pill” or have you got any “dog biscuits” for the old man? His two nicknames for cookies. He and Uncle Helmer would go out fishing all day for Pickerel or Goldeye – rods, bait, scoop net and 12 chocolate bars! Dad was also a mechanical genius. He built his own tractor from scratch and whatever he needed he just made it. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. Recognizing his talents, neighbour and friend Stew McLean encouraged Dad to challenge the mechanics exam – which he passed with flying colors. That led to a long career at Tanco Mines as a mechanic. Dad transported the guys to and from Tanco daily in his big van and they always joked that they could set their clocks by John because he was never late. Ever.
John was a protector – of his mom, sisters, wife, children and family – even the neighbours. He ploughed their driveways in winter. Auntie Bea said he kept us all safe – from the rowdy bears and pesky beavers. And no one sled across the lake in winter until Dad checked the ice thickness by hand drilling holes and placing little evergreen trees to mark a safe path. He flooded the ice so we could skate in the winter and we each had our own Skidoos to trail ride as a family. Dad also enjoyed playing guitar, cards, crib and travelling south with mom.
What I will miss most is Dad’s humor. He would get a twinkle in his eye and fire off so many catchphrases and one-liners it would leave you in stitches. How are you doing dad? “Well – I’m still on this side of the grass” “Oh, six of one, half dozen of the other” and one of his favourites “Call me anything but late for dinner!” The best is when he would phone and greet me with “How’s the woman of my dreams doing?” Or “You’re looking mighty fine today!” He was kind, generous, dependable and liked to be “fussed over” and “looked after”. My heart goes out to the kind and compassionate care of the PCH nurses and support staff for all the hugs and love they showered on Dad these last two years. He appreciated you so much.
Cremation has taken place and there will be an interment this summer. As per Dad‘s wishes there will be no formal service. John would be honoured if you dunked a cookie on his behalf or extended an act of kindness to one another.
John was a good man. And he was loved.
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Donnie & Norma Hladki
Tracy, that was an absolutely beautiful obituary!!
He definitely liked his sweets, didn’t matter what I had when he came for tea, he was always happy! He made sure to let us know where to get “the best bang for our buck” when it came to restaurants! He was certainly one of a kind and will be truly missed.
Sincere condolences and big hugs to all of you.
Love, Auntie Norma & Uncle Donnie
Tracey Ramsay
Thanks Auntie, Dad did enjoy getting a good deal and because he “couldn’t par broil water for a tramp” so he ate out A LOT after mom passed. And we all know “the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” (Translation: if you can cook “we’ll have it made” ie: we are a match made in heaven)
Tracey
Carol (nee Lavoie) and David Olivier
So sorry to hear of your brother and to all the families involve. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. Lovely obituary!!
Jackie Hodge
Sorry to hear of your loss of your dear father my thoughts are with you all
Linda Stewart
I am so sorry for your loss, am praying that you and your families receive comfort and strength for the Lord and Father. Big hugs to you and all the rest of your families. I so hope that your dad did not suffer long prior to his passing
Kim Schifke
I was so lucky to have such a kind and gentle man as my uncle. I will forever remember uncle John and my dad doing the burger king dance. They were in sync as they ordered and arranged their meal. Always saving room for the apple pie. I miss dad and uncle but know that they and our other angels are together and will watch over us until we join them. Until then I will miss them deeply but be greatful for the love and memories that we have!
God bless them all!
Kim
Randy & Shannon Worona
Tracy & family, our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. What a lovely tribute to a loving husband and father. Take comfort knowing he and your Mom are reunited. Take care.
A Bisaillon
My sincere condolences to you Tracy and Duane. So sorry to hear of his loss.
Tracey Ramsay
Rosaire was one of the first people i thought of -when dad passed Annette – but I had lost contact with you guys. They were friends for life to be sure. Those two had quite the history together from way back. I remember enjoying the times we spent with your family when we were young – SUCH fun. Dad always shone when he told stories of times shared with Rosaire. I imagine them “shooting the sh-t” once again as dad would say. I recall one of the last times I saw you guys was a family trip to Lakeview for steak dinner loooong ago which we often did on a Friday night. And the details are fuzzy but I believe dad tried to buy Rosaire a steak dinner but he had already eaten and Johnny loudly proclaimed “Don’t yah know you’re not a REAL man unless you can eat a full meal after you have already eaten!” Followed up with “How much can a man stand!! Don’t ya know!!” I so appreciated the times our families shared. Thanks so much. Tracey
Suzanne & Doug McLean
Sincere condolences Tracey, Duane and families. Johnny truly was one of a kind; always ready to give a helping hand and a word or two of advice. Dad (Stew) always spoke highly of Johnny.
So very sorry for your loss. Hugs to all.
Doug & Suzanne McLean
Marilyn Anderson
My sincere condolences to you Tracy, and all the family. What a wonderful tribute for your Father, and an Insight into a life well lived! Sending love and hugs from, Marilyn (friend)
Candi Boen
What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL tribute to an amazing man! His 1 liners…YES! My kids remember “Papa John” by his saying “See you in the funny papers”. They didn’t even KNOW what “funny papers” were. He made SUCH a difference in ALL of our lives. We have been blessed to have had him in our lives.
Tracey Ramsay
Thanks Cuz. THAT is another favorite one liner of dad’s – instead of saying goodbye. Funny thing – mom always did the daily crossword in the WFP and dad would get his knickers in a knot bc mom would fold the paper back on itself a few times til it was 1/8 the regular size and he would be equally bent out of shape bc all the sections were not in order! But all he ever read pretty much WAS the comics (funny papers)
Dennis & Rosalie Lofstrom
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Johnny. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Dennis loaded Johnny’s truck many times, and has many fond memories. A very generous and kind man. We will always remember his “Best bang for your Buck” indeed Norma & Donnie… Our hearts go out to you. Dennis & Rosalie
Louise Birt Staples
So sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing I have wonderful memories of when we were young and spending family time at the farm.
Collette Bisaillon
So sorry for your loss Duane and Tracy. Your dad was one of a kind. Our parents spent a lot of time together and I still often thought about your family. Take joy that your parents are together once again. I can just see their smiles looking at you all.
Huge Hugs
Tracey Ramsay
Appreciate that Collette – thank you Tracey
Nicole
Tracey, these are such beautiful memories of your father. I can see clearly now that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, either. You hold so many of your father’s qualities, and through you, his spirit will continue to live on. Deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. I will dunk a cookie or two in his honor.
Florence Zayac
Our sincere condolences to the family. We think of Johnny and Annie as wonderful host/hostess whenever we visited. We know that there will be a huge void in the lives of the family.
Florence and Julian Zayac
White Rock, BC
Hazel Birt
Sending my condolences to the family. I knew Johnny since he was a little boy and we used to go so often to the farm on holidays. My heart goes out to you all and my prayers are with you.
Donna & Les Schichl
Norma, sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, and our condolences to all the family at this time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Andrew Schewe
To Tracey and family,
So sorry for your loss.
Andy Schewe
Carol (nee Lavoie) and David Olivier
Norma, so sorry to hear of your brother and to all the families involve. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. Lovely obituary!!
Maureen Karbonik
Tracey, My deepest condolences. I have so many wonderful memories of your dad. He truely was a gem! He had that quality of making people feel comfortable and special. In recent years (before COVID) Mike & I would bump into him at Drifter’s & that reminded me of how easy & enjoyable it was to visit with him. He would invite us to join him which we did but he was usually just finishing up his pie & coffee as we walked in. He still managed to fill us in on
what was going on with him and the family.
Whenever we drive over the narrow bridge I look over & reminisce about when his was the only boathouse along the shore past the airport. It has changed so much now but looking over & seeing that little white boathouse is one of the many memories of Annie & Johnny I will cherish. May your memories be a blessing. Mike & Maureen
Jerry Silvaggio
He was a very good man with a great sense of humour!! Our sincerest condolences. Take cae. Margret Rhoades , David and Nancy Silvaggio,Chester Silvaggio, Jerry and Kristine Silvaggio
Melody Anderson
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. We will remember him for his warmth, kindness, social nature, and that beautiful twinkle in his eyes. Wishing all the family Peace as you grieve and remember him.
Melody and John
Tim Haverlock
Please accept our heart felt condolences on the passing of your Father. Reading your wonderful tribute put a smile on my face many times as it brought back many great memories of him when we worked together at Tanco for 15 years. Being the warehouse man I enjoyed his stories, constant humor and camaraderie through out each day either when he picked up his parts at the warehouse wicket or in the Mine Dry during lunch and coffee breaks. John will be deeply missed.
Tim and Cindy Haverlock