I was extremely sad to read in the newspaper this morning that John had passed away. Unfortunately I was not in the province at the time of his passing so I missed attending his funeral service. However, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his family. Although we were not really close and we seldom crossed paths, I always enjoyed our time together. He was an incredible man with many, many skills. A very kind man with a very large heart. We first met at Elkwater in 1999, snowboarding down the hill. I know he will be well off in the next world because of all the good he did in this world.

Ed and Judy Fredeen

We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing. We always enjoyed our visits with John. John was a wealth of knowledge and expressed so much passion for life! We will always cherish in our memories his many stories he shared! Whenever we had the privilege to interact with John he always took time to talk about his family! Our condolences to John’s family as you all mourn such a great loss.

John and Kate were our next door neighbors on Noble Court in Medicine Hat for many years.

Our condolences go out to Kate and their extended families.

So very sorry for the passing of John! He was so very good at being a handyman and so wonderful at telling stories! Always enjoyed visiting with him!!! He will be greatly missed.

Robert and Kathy Ziegenhagel

I just couldn't believe it when John's brother, Wayne, informed me of John's passing. I never thought of his light going out because he was so FUll of life and seemed unstoppable. He was rightfully proud of his recently published history book on the Smith family and the Grasslands National Park and also his daughter and granddaughter's childrens' illustrated book on cowboys. There were many references in the former about my sister and her husband, Arline and George Orser, who were hired hands on the Walt Larson ranch. I likely met John at the Larson ranch but have more memories of his time connected to the Hidden Valley ski hill, then kayaking and as my Numero Uno handyman for my rental. Our overnight Grand Adventure kayak trip on the Frenchman was a standout where John, his brother and a friend went all out to accommodate us. They broke the mold after John was born. I will miss his giggles, his stories and his general zest for life. John, I hope you are now on the Grandest of adventures!

Mike was a great customer and always fun to chat with when he came through Walsh Ab. Did a bunch of reno work for us last year and got to work and chat with him lots. Our most sincere condolences to Mikes family, his smile and conversation will be greatly missed.

So sorry to hear the passing of John I worked with him back at vertican well he worked at modern decor but he always there to listen or tell a good story or anytime I seen him after always with a smile and a good chat may he rest in peace will never forget anything for a buck!!!!sending my condolences too all!!!

I first met John through Kate and some mutual friends. I had the opportunity to kayak with him on numerous occasions, and he did some renovation work for my wife and I on multiple occasions.

Whenever I had the chance to talk to John, I was always so impressed by the depth of his knowledge on so many topics. He was great at explaining things and also had an amazing sense of humour and zest for life. He was instantly likeable!

He will be missed by so, so many, and is truly gone too soon. Our deep condolences to Kate and his entire family.

Mike, Michelle, and Barrett Long

So sorry to hear of Johns death . He taught me how to paddle and we went on several trips most memorably through the Grasslands national Park . As many have mentioned he was full of stories and fun . Life was always an adventure for John that he seized passionately. He also talked very fondly of his wife , kids and family. My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time .

love and peace

Margaret Devine

John taught me and a few friends the basics of paddling a kayak many moons ago. A few years later, I joined the MedHat Paddling club and paddled with John on different occasions. He always had a trick to teach me and he always had a ‘Cadillac/ValMarie’ story for me to relay to my husband. We have lost not only a friend, but a teacher as well. Rest easy John and Paddles Up my friend.

Condolences to the family. John was instrumental in developing Carefree Park to a position that we are all leaseholders. He gave me my first kayak lesson. His knowledge of park history was invaluable. I am sure he answered the same question several times and never said I already told you that. Rest in peace. Denise Cooke

I went to school with John. He was a joker and always made us laugh. So sad to have gone so early. My deepest sympathy to families.

John and Kate have been good friends of ours for a long time. I was fortunate to meet John when we worked together many years ago, alongside Kate. That working relationship was soon to become more than a working relationship when Kate and John started to date, shortly thereafter, they did wed. We all got married around the same time, we bought houses around the same time, John did all of our renos on our first house. He was the only person my husband would trust to "do the job right". John was so meticulous, and we loved that about him. John loved to teach and my husband valued the time he spent working with him and all the little tricks to get the job done. Words cannot express the loss we know you all feel, John will be forever in our hearts and his memory shall live on for a lifetime.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Kari, Braiden, Emma and Olivia Godlonton

I had a great visit with John end of June. He stayed at my place 2 nights before heading to Mankota rodeo & Val Marie. We were doing/talking genealogy & family history. He had a box of photos we went through but I didn’t know too many. He took me out to supper at Toyes and friends from Medicine Hat were there. He & I had a great all around visit.

My condolences to all his family - immediate and further afield. My prayers are with you all.

So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. A good man gone too soon. Condolences to all the family.

Vickie & Dwayne Reid.