July 24, 1938 - July 11, 2020
John was born on July 24th, 1938 in Camrose, Alberta and raised in Armena, a Norwegian farming settlement which his family forefathers had chosen to be their home once arriving in this country. After his journey here on earth was completed, Heaven received John at 5:30 A.M. on July 11th, 2020 as Heather, his beloved wife of 59 years, was holding his hand. As he was leaving this world Heather asked him, "What do you see?" ANGELS was his reply.....
With those last words of assurance, John was carried by those very angels into the very presence of his loving Heavenly Father, for he knew that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Heather; their darling daughter, Pam; one sister, Margaret (Gordon) Braaten; two sisters-in-law, Barb Lyseng and Linda Gilbertson; his step-mother-in-law, Jackie Gilbertson; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will forever cherish John's memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy; one brother, Fred; one brother-in-law, Larry Gilbertson and Heather's parents.
John first met Heather Gilbertson when they both attended school in a one room schoolhouse in 1949. They later both went on to graduate from Camrose Lutheran College (now Augustana University) in 1957. On December 31st, 1960 John and Heather were married in Edmonton, Alberta and their lives were truly blessed when their daughter Pam was born in 1966.
John joined International Harvester Company in Edmonton and was transferred during his working career to many locations. Those included Vancouver, Prince George, North Vancouver and finally to Vernon where he was employed with Bloom and Sigalet as their office manager. He and Heather have now resided here for 39 years.
In respecting John's wishes, he was cremated and a celebration of his life will take place at a later date at Grace Bible Church. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of John to the charity of their choice.
The family extends warm and heartfelt thanks to the many doctors, nurses and care aides that took such wonderful care of John.
Cremation arrangements were made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.,
5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187