This is a place to leave comments with messages of sympathy and condolence.
28 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked together for only a few years in Ottawa but he made quite an impression and accomplished amazing progress in establishing the new research centre. With sincere sympathy.
John had worked with many fungal pathogens, including Sclerotinia. While he was the Director at Ottawa, I very much appreciated his discussions, enthusiasm and support of my research in developing plant resistance to this pathogen.
We are deeply saddened in hearing of Johns passing. I remember him from his work at the Experimental Farm in Ottawa, being a volunteer at friends of the farm at that time Always appreciated the help at Ten Thousand Villages festival sales As you grieve may you find comfort in knowing others care Most sincerely Beulah and Elmer Janzen
Daina, we've not met, but reading your comment I was reminded of time I spent in Dad's lab cutting sclertinia sclerotia from rapeseed stalks. Thanks for bringing back the memory.
We are saddened to read of John's passing. We were privileged to get to know both of you as fellow members of the Kelowna Newcomers' Club. We shall remember John as a real gentleman who reached out to others in a kind,quiet,never boastful way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love, Gail and A.D. MacLeod
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. John was a fine man and a significant influence on so many lives and careers, including my own, when I was his Administrative Officer at the Regina Research Station.
I am comforted because I am one of the lucky ones whose life was touched by John. I join you and the many others who will miss him, but I remain grateful still for having known him.
Bill Atkinson Integrated Services Manager AAFC Winnipeg
Mom called me with the news last night. So sorry to hear. John always struck me as one of the most vital folks I knew. He always seemed to me to have a kind of keen edge - of opinion, of intelligence, of wit. I always felt like I had to be on my toes to stay with him. I remember being caught by the dry humour that would slip out of him, and his kind laughter. A real genuine soul. I have a clear memory of being about 12, and sharing an intense Hockey Night in Canada with John. Of all things.
Harv - we're off on holiday for most of October - I'll mail on return.
Mom called me with the news last night. So sorry to hear. John always struck me as one of the most vital folks I knew. He always seemed to me to have a kind of keen edge - of opinion, of intelligence, of wit. I always felt like I had to be on my toes to stay with him. I remember being caught by the dry humour that would slip out of him, and his kind laughter. A real genuine soul. I have a clear memory of being about 12, and sharing an intense Hockey Night in Canada with John. Of all things.
Harv - we're off on holiday for most of October - I'll mail on return.
It is now a couple of hours since you called to tell me that John is gone. It's very difficult to get my mind around this; I think of him rather as he was, skiing out at our cabin and hugely enjoying the exercise and the fun with his family and friends. John had a wonderful capacity to live in the moment and to enjoy that moment to the full. I am so terribly sorry that this has happened to John and to you.
I have thought about coming to the funeral but have decided that this would not be a good time to come. There will be many people and my visit with you all would be brief. I would rather come later when things have settled a bit for you Mary. I hope that's acceptable with you. Harv - if you are in Saskatoon in the next while, I would be grateful if you would give me a call.
My arms are around you. May you find the courage and grace to move through this unbelievably difficult week. I will be in touch. With tears and much love - Connie Gutwin
Auntie Mary, cousins Harvy, Michelle and Ken... As a young child I remember thinking, "Wow, uncle John knows everything!" Although I few memories, the ones I do have are of a loving family and pure happiness. One memory that really lingers in my mind is of our great big family bus trip to BC to visit your family. We celebrated Easter at your house with the usual feast and an easter egg hunt in your beautiful back yard. I remember touring the great big orchards and a winery. So facinating! I wish I could do that again. My family also got to visit in Ottawa and once again I remember the hospitality of your family! My few memories of Uncle John will forever be cherished. Our prayers are with you all! Love Vanessa(Enns)Penner
Dear Mary We were stunned by the news of John's passing, circulated to us through the Kelowna Newcomers' Club. We remember the first time we met you both at a New Year's Eve dinner at the Parkinson Rec Centre; John's friendliness and ever ready smile, his constant helpfulness at general meetings; our garden club visit to your home at the Bennet Estate, the list goes on and on. Thank you both for being our friends. Mary, we wish you comfort and consolotaion from your surrounding family and friends, in the knowledge that you are remembered in our thoughts prayers in this time of sad loss. God bless you and all your family. Love from Rosemary and Michael Botner, Kelowna BC
Aunt Mary, Harvey, Cheryl & Ken, I am so sorry. Uncle John's passing leaves a hole in our family. I appreciate the importance he placed on education and the satisfaction he took in a job well done. One of my favorite things I remember John saying was that he wished he had had his job when he was 15-because he knew it all then. I appreciate the importance he placed on family and the speech he gave at my Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. I enjoyed his laugh. When I look at the canola on our farm, I think of John. When I look at my brother Rob, I see John. He will be missed. Janice Dueck
We express our sympathy and love to you at this difficult time. We too are saddened by the passing of John. We will also miss him. It was a pleasure to have worked with him at the Summerland Reasearch Centre.
Our prayers are for you and your family. We know the Lord will bless you and help you.
We are greatly saddened to hear of Dr. Dueck's sudden passing. John was Director General of the Bureau of Veterinary Drugs at Health Canada for a short period time in 2000-2001. We appreciated his efforts to lead the Bureau through a challenging time. On behalf of the staff
I am deeply saddened to hear of john's pasing. I have known John over 20 years, as a colleague plant pathologist and as a director of research. I have always valued his collaboration, didication and contributions to the scientifc area of plant protection; and appreciated his support and leadership in the scientific community. With sincere sympathy
Khalid Rashid Research Scientist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Morden, Manitoba
We indeed were shocked and saddened by John's sudden passing. John and I began our careers in plant pathology at about the same time. Although we did not work together directly on projects, we had numerous opportunities to connect as colleagues, and established a solid friendship. My wife Dolores and I had the opportunity to visit with John and Mary in Kelowna just before their move to Winnipeg. We feel so grateful that we took this opportunity. It is a reminder of how ephemeral things ijn life can be, and the importance of maintaining the wider commuinity of friends and those who have been important in our lives. To you, Mary and family, Dolores and I send you our most heartfelt sympathies, and wish you well.
I have many wonderful memories of canoeing, camping,skiing, skating and otherwise visiting with Uncle John. I also have good memories of conversations over the years, both serious and witty. But the memories I appreciate the most are of Uncle John's strength and presence at difficult times in my life. When Karl made a serious suicide attempt, Uncle John came out to visit while Karl was in rehab. I remember a conversation about careers at that time, and Uncle John shared with us what a plant pathologist actually did. It was fascinating!
And then, of course, he came to stay with my Dad for about a month when he was dying of cancer. Not only did he entice my dad to eat, get him to all of his appointments and keep track of everything, but he helped me to sort through what needed to be done. We had many wonderful conversations during that time, and I felt very close to him. I was so grateful that he put his own life on hold (as much as he was able to!) to come and help out. And after my Dad's death, he was always there to offer encouragement, support and advice as needed. Uncle John will be sorely missed by all of my family.
I met John and his lovely wife Mary through a friendship with his son and daughter-in-law. We are "foodie friends" and share many good meals as we make wine together. Last Christmas Eve we invited a number of friends to join us for tortiere.
Part of my heritage is French Canadian. I live on the West Coast as I came out here to go to graduate school where I met and fell in love with a someone who had been born and raised here. My husband Eric is a wonderful cook who has turned my traditional tortiere recipe into something that resembles a sort of French Country pate in a crust. We often invite friends for Christmas Eve and reserve Christmas Day for family. Harvey and Michelle responded to our invite by saying they would love to come, but Harvey's parents were in town and would we mind if they came along as well. We did not mind as the phrase "the more the merrier" is a true statement. We sat 10 people that Christmas Eve and enjoyed the tortiere after it was fiddled in by another friend.
John and Mary were wonderful guests. They were warm and friendly, told great stories and praised the food lavishly. We had a good time together. They invited us to visit them anytime we were in Kelowna as the complex they were living in (at the time) had a guest house that was available for rent for a pittance of twenty dollars a night.
My husband is in the retail end of the wine business and we visit the Okanagan Wine Country every May. We were delighted to take advantage of the guest house, in particular as it used to be home of two of the premiers of British Columbia. We had dinner with John and Mary every evening, sharing good food, good wine and lots of stories of our personal and professional lives in British Columbia. It was a very pleasant couple of days. They were the perfect hosts, as they had been perfect guests. I looked forward to seeing them again in their visits to Vancouver. looked forward to meeting them again when they returned to the Coast.
And then we heard he had died. I cannot believe that he is gone. I did not know John for long, but I will miss him.
I am very sorry about the loss of Harvey's father. Harvey and Michelle, you have always been a very special part of our family, and we always enjoy your visits.
I am sorry I have not contacted you sooner. I am writing on behalf of my mother, Doreen Reid, my son, and myself, and I know that the thoughts of Lynette, Irving, and Larry are also with you.
I have never met John, but I think losing such a person as your father, suddenly and before he had a chance to do all that he wanted to do, is very very hard.
It is possible that scientists go somewhere else when they leave this world. I sometimes wonder what my father, Bill, would have as his equivalent to Heaven, and if it would be similar to that of your father's.
It is with great sadness that I heard of Dr. Dueck's passing. I worked with him as a lawyer at Agriculture Canada, and had the opportunity to see him in action and under tremendous pressure on files of great complexity. While his intelligence and his acute sense of perception and judgment were among his most readily apparent features, it was with his humanity that he touched us all. I shall remember him as the finest example of what a Public Servant can be. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and to all your family.
It was with great sadness I heard about Uncle John's passing.
The memorial service was beautiful. I have never seen so many nieces and nephews show up at any other event. It provided a great opportunity to reconnect with people. This was a true testament to Uncle John's and Aunt Mary's ability to keep in touch with family and friends. It was moving to hear how Uncle John had impacted all our lives. He will truly be missed.
Please accept my belated but sincere condolences to you Mary and all your family on the passing of your dear husband and father. From our first day of university as green freshmen from rural Manitoba I recall John's everpresent enthusiasm for life and his chosen field. Later, after we both joined Agriculture Canada, he impressed me (and others) with his dedication and ability to deal with all the organizational and other change that we encountered. Throughout his highly successful career John was always the consumate professional while being friendly, caring and helpful. He shall be missed by many.
It is with heavy hearts that we send you this note. We just got the sad news from Brenda Desrochers. We just returned from visiting family in B.C.
We are so sorry to hear that John passed away. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. It must be a great comfort to have your family near at this time.
You were both wonderful neighbours and good friends. John was such a softspoken and gentle person with a laidback sense of humour. We will miss him very much. We were planning to see you and your new home on our way out to Kelowna next spring. We want to keep in touch.
Dear John, We met you in Kelowna and we knew immediatley that you and Mary are a rare find. So tender, thoughtful and caring people. My fondest memory is when you led the way on the cross country ski outing and Mary so reponsibly took the rear of our group. I felt so taken care of, as a novice skier. John, you are a gentle and lovely man....one that we all aspire to. Unfortunatley, you left us far too early but we will meet again. John, sleep peacefully and Mary, take care of yourself and keep in touch. Luv ya, Doug & Elfi Eades
Dear Mary We had just recently read John's article in the MCI's Crossroads and to see his pic again in the the last edition was a shock. Mary, Hedy and I still have fond memories of visiting your home while you lived in Harrow. Our condolences and prayers are extended to you and your children. Ed Rempel
I was greatly saddened by the news of John’s untimely death. Our meeting at the Centennial Conference brought back memories of our friendship in the year (1975) we spent in Saskatoon. Judy and I remember your kindness in having our young family stay in your home for a few days while we looked for a house to rent. John was great colleague both as a scientist and companion. Working with people like John, Bob Ledingham, and Bob Tinline made my time in Saskatoon one of the most rewording periods of my career.
John’s intellect, people skills, and ambition made it clear to me that he was destined to go far in his career. This he truly achieved.
In the few days after the Conference, I mentioned to family and friends of how much we had enjoyed getting together with old friends. I told my son of how impressed I was when my friend, John said that he was about write a book chapter on canola diseases and would set the record regarding credit that he felt I had not received for my work in Saskatoon.
Judy and I send our sympathies to you and your family for great loss.
Denis and Judy McGee 3310 Kingman Rd Ames, IA 50014
Mom asked me to post the following letter from Florian Panitz. Florian and I were partners in a student exchange in 1979-80. Florian lived with our family in Saskatoon for three months in the fall of 1979 and I went to stay with his family in Oldenburg, Germany in the spring of 1980. Our families have kept in touch sporadically through the intervening years.
Florian's parents, Willy and Evi, loved to travel and came to Canada. They got together with Mom and Dad on several of those trips. I remember canoeing with them in Vaseaux Lake in the south Okanagan when Mom and Dad were living in Penticton. Mom and Dad also went with Willy and Evi on a memorable trip to the Rockies. Evi passed away two years ago. It's hard to believe that a person so full of life is no longer with us.
Thanks for sending such a warm note, Florian.
Here's Florian's letter:
-----------
March 19, 2008
Dear Mary,
I just found your letter when I was going through my father’s mail who is currently vacationing in Austria. I was very sad to learn that John passed away last year. Strangely enough, I had a dream of you and your family (i.e. your family as it used to be in 1979) a couple of days ago. To tell the truth, it was my fear of flying which got worse over the years that kept me from visiting you in Canada all the time (bad excuse, I know). I will always remember John as an optimistic and lively person and the time I spent at your home turned out to be one of the most important experiences in my life. Actually, I sometimes remember the moment I learned certain English expressions at your home when using them today even in my lectures.
Although I have experienced the loss of loved ones and of people who were close to me on too many occasions myself, such loss is always something one cannot comprehend and at least I found that there are wounds that one does not want to heal. I am certain that being with part of your family in Manitoba and being able to spend time time with your grandchild will ease the pain a little.
It took your letter so long to reach us for two reasons: we have a new postal code which is 26121 Oldenburg (not 2900 Oldenburg), and I am not around most of the time these days to check Willy's mail when he is absent because I am currently working in Aachen as a professor of linguistics which means that I am commuting from Oldenburg each week. Unfortunately, the position is not a tenure-track position, and my contract will definitely expire on March 31st without being extended, which I learned at short notice last month. This means that I will effectively be out of work as of April 1st. This will give me some time to finish my second book, but I am optimistic that I will find a new job relatively soon.
Please pass on my condolences to all your family, especially Harvey (whose e-mail address I will try to recover from my archives in order to get in contact with), Cheryl and Ken. Willy will get in touch with you as soon as he gets back from his skiing trip. I called him immediately after I found your letter and he sends you his condolences and best wishes. So does my partner, Petra. If you want to, you may add this mail as a contribution to your obituary blog, should it still be on the internet.
28 comments:
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked together for only a few years in Ottawa but he made quite an impression and accomplished amazing progress in establishing the new research centre. With sincere sympathy.
Dan Schmid
John had worked with many fungal pathogens, including Sclerotinia. While he was the Director at Ottawa, I very much appreciated his discussions, enthusiasm and support of my research in developing plant resistance to this pathogen.
We are deeply saddened in hearing of Johns passing. I remember him from his work at the Experimental Farm in Ottawa, being a volunteer at friends of the farm at that time
Always appreciated the help at Ten Thousand Villages festival sales
As you grieve may you find comfort in knowing others care
Most sincerely Beulah and Elmer Janzen
Daina, we've not met, but reading your comment I was reminded of time I spent in Dad's lab cutting sclertinia sclerotia from rapeseed stalks. Thanks for bringing back the memory.
Dear Mary and Family,
We are saddened to read of John's passing. We were privileged to get to know both of you as fellow members of the Kelowna Newcomers' Club. We shall remember John as a real gentleman who reached out to others in a kind,quiet,never boastful way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love,
Gail and A.D. MacLeod
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. John was a fine man and a significant influence on so many lives and careers, including my own, when I was his Administrative Officer at the Regina Research Station.
I am comforted because I am one of the lucky ones whose life was touched by John. I join you and the many others who will miss him, but I remain grateful still for having known him.
Bill Atkinson
Integrated Services Manager
AAFC Winnipeg
Hello Mary, Harv, Cheryl & Ken:
Mom called me with the news last night. So sorry to hear. John always struck me as one of the most vital folks I knew. He always seemed to me to have a kind of keen edge - of opinion, of intelligence, of wit. I always felt like I had to be on my toes to stay with him. I remember being caught by the dry humour that would slip out of him, and his kind laughter. A real genuine soul.
I have a clear memory of being about 12, and sharing an intense Hockey Night in Canada with John. Of all things.
Harv - we're off on holiday for most of October - I'll mail on return.
My best wishes, and sincere sympathy to you all.
Jon Gutwin
Hello Mary, Harv, Cheryl & Ken:
Mom called me with the news last night. So sorry to hear. John always struck me as one of the most vital folks I knew. He always seemed to me to have a kind of keen edge - of opinion, of intelligence, of wit. I always felt like I had to be on my toes to stay with him. I remember being caught by the dry humour that would slip out of him, and his kind laughter. A real genuine soul.
I have a clear memory of being about 12, and sharing an intense Hockey Night in Canada with John. Of all things.
Harv - we're off on holiday for most of October - I'll mail on return.
My best wishes, and sincere sympathy to you all.
Jon Gutwin
Dear Mary, Harv, Cheryl and Ken,
It is now a couple of hours since you called to tell me that John is gone. It's very difficult to get my mind around this; I think of him rather as he was, skiing out at our cabin and hugely enjoying the exercise and the fun with his family and friends. John had a wonderful capacity to live in the moment and to enjoy that moment to the full. I am so terribly sorry that this has happened to John and to you.
I have thought about coming to the funeral but have decided that this would not be a good time to come. There will be many people and my visit with you all would be brief. I would rather come later when things have settled a bit for you Mary. I hope that's acceptable with you. Harv - if you are in Saskatoon in the next while, I would be grateful if you would give me a call.
My arms are around you. May you find the courage and grace to move through this unbelievably difficult week. I will be in touch. With tears and much love - Connie Gutwin
Auntie Mary, cousins Harvy, Michelle and Ken...
As a young child I remember thinking, "Wow, uncle John knows everything!" Although I few memories, the ones I do have are of a loving family and pure happiness. One memory that really lingers in my mind is of our great big family bus trip to BC to visit your family. We celebrated Easter at your house with the usual feast and an easter egg hunt in your beautiful back yard. I remember touring the great big orchards and a winery. So facinating! I wish I could do that again. My family also got to visit in Ottawa and once again I remember the hospitality of your family! My few memories of Uncle John will forever be cherished. Our prayers are with you all!
Love Vanessa(Enns)Penner
Dear Mary
We were stunned by the news of John's passing, circulated to us through the Kelowna Newcomers' Club. We remember the first time we met you both at a New Year's Eve dinner at the Parkinson Rec Centre; John's friendliness and ever ready smile, his constant helpfulness at general meetings; our garden club visit to your home at the Bennet Estate, the list goes on and on.
Thank you both for being our friends.
Mary, we wish you comfort and consolotaion from your surrounding family and friends, in the knowledge that you are remembered in our thoughts prayers in this time of sad loss. God bless you and all your family. Love from
Rosemary and Michael Botner, Kelowna BC
Aunt Mary, Harvey, Cheryl & Ken,
I am so sorry. Uncle John's passing leaves a hole in our family. I appreciate the importance he placed on education and the satisfaction he took in a job well done. One of my favorite things I remember John saying was that he wished he had had his job when he was 15-because he knew it all then. I appreciate the importance he placed on family and the speech he gave at my Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. I enjoyed his laugh. When I look at the canola on our farm, I think of John. When I look at my brother Rob, I see John. He will be missed.
Janice Dueck
Dear Mary and family:
We express our sympathy and love to you at this difficult time. We too are saddened by the passing of John. We will also miss him. It was a pleasure to have worked with him at the Summerland Reasearch Centre.
Our prayers are for you and your family. We know the Lord will bless you and help you.
Lorin and Ann Godfrey
We are greatly saddened to hear of Dr. Dueck's sudden passing. John was Director General of the Bureau of Veterinary Drugs at Health Canada for a short period time in 2000-2001. We appreciated his efforts to lead the Bureau through a challenging time. On behalf of the staff
I am deeply saddened to hear of john's pasing. I have known John over 20 years, as a colleague plant pathologist and as a director of research. I have always valued his collaboration, didication and contributions to the scientifc area of plant protection; and appreciated his support and leadership in the scientific community.
With sincere sympathy
Khalid Rashid
Research Scientist
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Morden, Manitoba
We indeed were shocked and saddened by John's sudden passing. John and I began our careers in plant pathology at about the same time. Although we did not work together directly on projects, we had numerous opportunities to connect as colleagues, and established a solid friendship. My wife Dolores and I had the opportunity to visit with John and Mary in Kelowna just before their move to Winnipeg. We feel so grateful that we took this opportunity. It is a reminder of how ephemeral things ijn life can be, and the importance of maintaining the wider commuinity of friends and those who have been important in our lives. To you, Mary and family, Dolores and I send you our most heartfelt sympathies, and wish you well.
Don Harder
Aunt Mary, Harv & Michelle, Cheryl & Richard, Ken & Natalie:
I have many wonderful memories of canoeing, camping,skiing, skating and otherwise visiting with Uncle John. I also have good memories of conversations over the years, both serious and witty. But the memories I appreciate the most are of Uncle John's strength and presence at difficult times in my life. When Karl made a serious suicide attempt, Uncle John came out to visit while Karl was in rehab. I remember a conversation about careers at that time, and Uncle John shared with us what a plant pathologist actually did. It was fascinating!
And then, of course, he came to stay with my Dad for about a month when he was dying of cancer. Not only did he entice my dad to eat, get him to all of his appointments and keep track of everything, but he helped me to sort through what needed to be done. We had many wonderful conversations during that time, and I felt very close to him. I was so grateful that he put his own life on hold (as much as he was able to!) to come and help out. And after my Dad's death, he was always there to offer encouragement, support and advice as needed. Uncle John will be sorely missed by all of my family.
With much love,
Tessa
I met John and his lovely wife Mary through a friendship with his son and daughter-in-law. We are "foodie friends" and share many good meals as we make wine together. Last Christmas Eve we invited a number of friends to join us for tortiere.
Part of my heritage is French Canadian. I live on the West Coast as I came out here to go to graduate school where I met and fell in love with a
someone who had been born and raised here. My husband Eric is a wonderful cook who has turned my traditional tortiere recipe into something that
resembles a sort of French Country pate in a crust. We often invite friends for Christmas Eve and reserve Christmas Day for family. Harvey and Michelle responded to our invite by saying they would love to come, but Harvey's parents were in town and would we mind if they came along as well. We did not mind as the phrase "the more the merrier" is a true statement. We sat 10 people that Christmas Eve and enjoyed the tortiere after it was fiddled in by another friend.
John and Mary were wonderful guests. They were warm and friendly, told great stories and praised the food lavishly. We had a good time together.
They invited us to visit them anytime we were in Kelowna as the complex they were living in (at the time) had a guest house that was available for
rent for a pittance of twenty dollars a night.
My husband is in the retail end of the wine business and we visit the Okanagan Wine Country every May. We were delighted to take advantage of the guest house, in particular as it used to be home of two of the premiers of British Columbia. We had dinner with John and Mary every evening, sharing good food, good wine and lots of stories of our personal and professional
lives in British Columbia. It was a very pleasant couple of days. They were the perfect hosts, as they had been perfect guests. I looked forward to
seeing them again in their visits to Vancouver.
looked forward to meeting them again when they returned to the Coast.
And then we heard he had died.
I cannot believe that he is gone.
I did not know John for long, but I will miss him.
Jennifer Kirkey
Dear Harvey and Michelle,
I am very sorry about the loss of Harvey's father. Harvey and Michelle, you have always been a very special part of our family, and we always enjoy your visits.
I am sorry I have not contacted you sooner. I am writing on behalf of my mother, Doreen Reid, my son, and myself, and I know that the thoughts of Lynette, Irving, and Larry are also with you.
I have never met John, but I think losing such a person as your father, suddenly and before he had a chance to do all that he wanted to do, is very very hard.
It is possible that scientists go somewhere else when they leave this world. I sometimes wonder what my father, Bill, would have as his equivalent to Heaven, and if it would be similar to that of your father's.
Take care of yourselves.
Best wishes and love,
Diane and Doreen Reid, Chris Mykota-Reid
Dear Mrs. Dueck,
It is with great sadness that I heard of Dr. Dueck's passing. I worked with him as a lawyer at Agriculture Canada, and had the opportunity to see him in action and under tremendous pressure on files of great complexity. While his intelligence and his acute sense of perception and judgment were among his most readily apparent features, it was with his humanity that he touched us all. I shall remember him as the finest example of what a Public Servant can be. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and to all your family.
With warmest regards,
Anahita Ariya-Far
It was with great sadness I heard about Uncle John's passing.
The memorial service was beautiful. I have never seen so many nieces and nephews show up at any other event. It provided a great opportunity to reconnect with people. This was a true testament to Uncle John's and Aunt Mary's ability to keep in touch with family and friends. It was moving to hear how Uncle John had impacted all our lives. He will truly be missed.
Deb Giesbrecht
Please accept my belated but sincere condolences to you Mary and all your family on the passing of your dear husband and father. From our first day of university as green freshmen from rural Manitoba I recall John's everpresent enthusiasm for life and his chosen field. Later, after we both joined Agriculture Canada, he impressed me (and others) with his dedication and ability to deal with all the organizational and other change that we encountered. Throughout his highly successful career John was always the consumate professional while being friendly, caring and helpful. He shall be missed by many.
Jim Lowe
Dear Mary,
It is with heavy hearts that we send you this note. We just got the sad news from Brenda Desrochers. We just returned from visiting family in B.C.
We are so sorry to hear that John passed away. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
It must be a great comfort to have your family near at this time.
You were both wonderful neighbours and good friends. John was such a softspoken and gentle person with a laidback sense of humour. We will miss him very much. We were planning to see you and your new home on our way out to Kelowna next spring. We want to keep in touch.
Please accept our love and heartfelt sympathy.
Kerstin (Kris) and Clarence Manders
Dear John,
We met you in Kelowna and we knew immediatley that you and Mary are a rare find. So tender, thoughtful and caring people. My fondest memory is when you led the way on the cross country ski outing and Mary so reponsibly took the rear of our group. I felt so taken care of, as a novice skier. John, you are a gentle and lovely man....one that we all aspire to. Unfortunatley, you left us far too early but we will meet again.
John, sleep peacefully and Mary, take care of yourself and keep in touch.
Luv ya, Doug & Elfi Eades
Dear Mary
We had just recently read John's article in the MCI's Crossroads and to see his pic again in the the last edition was a shock. Mary, Hedy and I still have fond memories of visiting your home while you lived in Harrow. Our condolences and prayers are extended to you and your children.
Ed Rempel
November 27, 2007
Dear Mary:
I was greatly saddened by the news of John’s untimely death. Our meeting at the Centennial Conference brought back memories of our friendship in the year (1975) we spent in Saskatoon. Judy and I remember your kindness in having our young family stay in your home for a few days while we looked for a house to rent. John was great colleague both as a scientist and companion. Working with people like John, Bob Ledingham, and Bob Tinline made my time in Saskatoon one of the most rewording periods of my career.
John’s intellect, people skills, and ambition made it clear to me that he was destined to go far in his career. This he truly achieved.
In the few days after the Conference, I mentioned to family and friends of how much we had enjoyed getting together with old friends. I told my son of how impressed I was when my friend, John said that he was about write a book chapter on canola diseases and would set the record regarding credit that he felt I had not received for my work in Saskatoon.
Judy and I send our sympathies to you and your family for great loss.
Denis and Judy McGee
3310 Kingman Rd
Ames, IA 50014
dandjmcgee@msn.com
Mom asked me to post the following letter from Florian Panitz. Florian and I were partners in a student exchange in 1979-80. Florian lived with our family in Saskatoon for three months in the fall of 1979 and I went to stay with his family in Oldenburg, Germany in the spring of 1980. Our families have kept in touch sporadically through the intervening years.
Florian's parents, Willy and Evi, loved to travel and came to Canada. They got together with Mom and Dad on several of those trips. I remember canoeing with them in Vaseaux Lake in the south Okanagan when Mom and Dad were living in Penticton. Mom and Dad also went with Willy and Evi on a memorable trip to the Rockies. Evi passed away two years ago. It's hard to believe that a person so full of life is no longer with us.
Thanks for sending such a warm note, Florian.
Here's Florian's letter:
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March 19, 2008
Dear Mary,
I just found your letter when I was going through my father’s mail who is
currently vacationing in Austria. I was very sad to learn that John passed
away last year. Strangely enough, I had a dream of you and your family
(i.e. your family as it used to be in 1979) a couple of days ago. To tell
the truth, it was my fear of flying which got worse over the years that
kept me from visiting you in Canada all the time (bad excuse, I know). I
will always remember John as an optimistic and lively person and the time
I spent at your home turned out to be one of the most important
experiences in my life. Actually, I sometimes remember the moment I
learned certain English expressions at your home when using them today
even in my lectures.
Although I have experienced the loss of loved ones and of people who were
close to me on too many occasions myself, such loss is always something
one cannot comprehend and at least I found that there are wounds that one
does not want to heal. I am certain that being with part of your family in
Manitoba and being able to spend time time with your grandchild will ease
the pain a little.
It took your letter so long to reach us for two reasons: we have a new
postal code which is 26121 Oldenburg (not 2900 Oldenburg), and I am not
around most of the time these days to check Willy's mail when he is absent
because I am currently working in Aachen as a professor of linguistics
which means that I am commuting from Oldenburg each week. Unfortunately,
the position is not a tenure-track position, and my contract will
definitely expire on March 31st without being extended, which I learned at
short notice last month. This means that I will effectively be out of work
as of April 1st. This will give me some time to finish my second book, but
I am optimistic that I will find a new job relatively soon.
Please pass on my condolences to all your family, especially Harvey (whose
e-mail address I will try to recover from my archives in order to get in
contact with), Cheryl and Ken. Willy will get in touch with you as soon as
he gets back from his skiing trip. I called him immediately after I found
your letter and he sends you his condolences and best wishes. So does my
partner, Petra. If you want to, you may add this mail as a contribution to
your obituary blog, should it still be on the internet.
All the best,
Florian
You are a very smart person!
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