On the Trent Ranch north of Tofield, Alta., from his parents, John learned hard work and the love of Jesus. In 1936, the family moved to the Mitchell farm south of Tofield. Here, John completed Grade 10. When a travelling minister (whom his parents were hosting) led devotions on the lost sheep and coin, 12-year-old John repented and committed to following Jesus. At 15, he rededicated his life. After the family moved to a dairy farm in Matsqui, B.C., in 1946, John completed Grade 13, then worked with his dad. While attending MB Bible College, Winnipeg, in 1960, John met Helena. They married and settled on a dairy farm near Île-des-Chênes, Man., for 32 years. John encouraged his 6 children to work hard and do their best. Together with Helena, he made sure they knew about Jesus’ love, grace, and forgiveness. His greatest wish was that they accept the gift of salvation. He was a long-time member of Niverville (Man.) MB Church. John and Helena sold the farm to their son Vern and moved to Winnipeg in 1993. John continued to work on the farm until a car accident in 2005 left him unable to farm. He recuperated, grateful that God spared his life. After a fall in 2017, they sought out assisted living. John and Helena had 5 weeks at Donwood before he entered the hospital May 26. On Father’s Day, John moved to his eternal home.
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