Page: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John “Johnny” William Page, on Thursday, August 20th, 2020 at the age of 67. He passed away peacefully at the Souris Hospital with his family at his bedside.
John was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on October 21st, 1952, the only son of Alfred and Myrtle Page. He was raised south of Beresford, Manitoba with his three older sisters, Frances, Eunice and Marjorie. John’s passion for farming started at an early age as he helped his father tend to the fields and the animals. He took over the family farm at the young age of 22.
John loved to share stories about his school days at the South Beresford School and Souris High School. He fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Arlene Copeland, from Bunclody, Manitoba and they were married in 1972. They made their home east of his parents farm on the Thomson farmstead. They were blessed with Jacqueline in 1974, Christopher in 1975, and Michelle, in 1978.
John had a great passion for sports. He played catcher and first base for the Bunclody Blues fastball team, proudly wearing the number #10. He earned many trophies including Most Sportsmanlike Player, MVP and various batting awards, with one teammate always referring to John as having the “sweetest swing”.
Dad’s favorite pastimes were skidooing, hunting, spending time at the hunting shack, coaching hockey, and running the kids to various activities. He loved his years playing slowpitch for the Blues, and the friendships with his teammates. He curled and played oldtimer hockey and proudly displayed his trophies. He was a devoted community member and served as a Municipal Councilor and on the Souris Arena Board of Directors.
John’s world revolved around spending time with his family and his friends and doing what he loved the most – farming. He loved to spend his days with Chris, working the land and troubleshooting together. Farming with Arlene, Chris and Crystal gave him the greatest joy.
John had a zest for life and a passion for people. He loved spending time with Arlene and his children, watching the grandkids playing sports all over Western Canada. He enjoyed teaching the grandkids how to play cribbage, all the while “chirping” them when he took the lead. He looked forward to visiting with friends over the back of a truck or at the ‘staffroom’, and loved going for the mail to catch up with people in town. He enjoyed attending Ag Days and visiting with the guys at Rocky Mountain Equipment. He looked forward to attending local auction sales – whether he was looking for machinery, an old friend or the best slice of pie.
John loved to travel throughout Canada and to warm destinations including the U.S., Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica. John and Arlene always remembered a return trip to Waikiki in January, 2018 as their most favorite trip together.
John was known for his positive outlook on life, big friendly wave, famous finger point, special twinkle in his eye and an infectious smile. He had the strongest handshake, and a bone-crushing hug. He was generous with his time and would always stop and chat, ask how you were doing, talk about his grandkids or the score of last night’s game. He teased people if they drove something other than a “Ford” or if they purchased farm equipment that was not “red”. He loved to make jokes and tease, and always tried to leave people with a smile. He lived a life well-lived and found joy in each and every day.
John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Arlene, daughter Jackie Kirkup and sons Cole and Avery, son Chris (Crystal Sadler) and daughters McKenna, Kelsey and Raylee, and daughter Michelle (Derek Deleau) and children Ella, Maddox, Jace and Kyan. He is also survived by his mother Myrtle Page, his three sisters, Fran (Don Dodds), Eunice (Ed Dewhurst) and Marjorie Page, his sister-in-laws Donna (Don Fenwick) and Cheryl (Mike Carrier), along with 13 nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his father, Fred Page.
A Celebration of John’s life was held on Sunday, August 23rd at the Souris – Glenwood Cemetery. We are extremely grateful to both Reverend Harvey Hurren for officiating, and Val & Dexter of Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home for the arrangements, and excellent care and guidance during this difficult time.
We would like to thank everyone who reached out to extend support, a helping hand, and delicious food during John’s illness, and since his passing. During John’s stay in the hospital he always commented about how the staff was so good to him, and how he was in good hands.
The special care John received, from Dr. Cram and the staff at the Souris Health Centre was heartfelt, compassionate and very much appreciated. Our hearts have been touched by the ongoing condolences and expressions of sympathy. We are truly grateful to be a part of such an amazing supportive and loving community.
Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, ℅ Prairie Mountain Health, Box 10, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0, or to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation, Box 518, Souris, Manitoba, R0K 2C0.
May you rest in peace,
John, J.W., Dad, Papa.
You will be forever in our hearts.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always loved his sense of humor and the love he had for his family. Prayers for strength to carry on. His legacy will live on through all of you. Remember John with a huge smile in your hearts and the joy of having had him in your lives. Hugs to all of you!
Arlene and family, please accept our condolences. John will be missed by all who met him. Always enjoyed his “smart remarks” and his chuckle.
Always enjoyed our visits with you both. Take care, family and friends are here for you all at this sad time.
Arlene and family, we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Bev Lee (Dodd)
Roberta Dodd
Linda Dodd
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time . Heaven gained another terrific angel!John will be so missed by all !
Arlene and family,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.
Colin & Pat McKay
To John’s Family,
We are thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time in your lives. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Connie and Grant
Our sincere best wishes to Arlene and family. We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. Bruce & Sandi Gullett
Arlene and family . So sorry to hear of Johns passing . Always a big smile and quick wit comment . Always had time to talk and ask how we were doing . Will remember the good times playing ball against the Buncloudy Blues and us kids as he called us . Rest In Peace .
Our sincere condolences are with all of you at this very sad time. John was a great guy. I really enjoyed our little visits at the grocery store with him.
Barry and Trudy
Arlene and family, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. His smile and laughter will be missed at the hockey rink!
We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. What a great fella and I know how much he will be missed. One of the best!!! I know Gordon would have been right there waiting for him! Know that we’re all thinking of you all at this really sad time. He left a lot of great memories!
The Turner clan at Carroll (Muriel, Murray, Pat,Rick, Ron & Shelley)
Arlene, Jackie, Chris and Michelle…we are so saddened at the loss of John..gone too soon. John brought lots of happy times into our life; as a great ball player and caring friend. We pray that you find comfort and lots of smiles remembering the things he did and said.
Arlene and family,
My sincere condolences. I was very sorry to read of John’s passing and want to let you know that my thoughts and sympathy are with you all.
Carol Harvey
To Arlene and Families
From the peaslee families . All our condolences from our house to yours we are going to miss him his visits that we long to hear from them whenever we met him for his jokes and good humour
Our thoughts are with you Arlene and family at this time. So sad to hear of John’s passing. Sincerely Linda and Dennis Hogman
Arlene and family, our sincerest condolences. We both have fond memories of John. He will be missed by the whole community.
John and Vonna Swaenepoel
Arlene and Family
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. John’s great smile and laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.
Our hearts go out to all of you at this sad time. John will be missed in so many ways not only by his family but by his many friends and neighbors. We wish you comfort and peace in the love and support of each other.
To the Page Families,
So sorry to hear the sad news of John’s passing. His big friendly smile and chuckle will be sadly missed. His children and grandchildren lost their #1 fan and supporter of all their activities. He was so proud of you all. We were so happy to hear John had one last crop inspection, a visit to his home and some ice-cream. That must have been a very special time for him and all of you. Bill was also very sad to hear the news. He sends his condolences, and you know he would be out to the cemetery today to pay his respects to his good friend John if his circumstances were different. We are thinking of all of you. Cherish all those great memories.
Barb and Ken Falloon
Bill Good
Dear Page Family,
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing, and extend our deepest sympathies and condolences. He always had time for chat and a smile.
Sincerely,
Brian and Patti Carr and family.
Arlene and family
So saddened to hear of John’s passing, he was a good guy, too young. He will be greatly missed at all sports events. Hugs to all! ❤️❤️
Arlene, I was saddened to hear of John’s passing this week. Please know I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Arlene, Chris, Jackie, Michelle and families we are sorry to hear of the loss of John. He was a great guy! Wonderful smile and full of laughter is how we will remember him. Take good care and know our thoughts are with you.
Bev and Garth Towler and family.
To Arlene and families so sad to hear about John, I know that you will have lots of good memories. Hugs to all.
Norma Arnold
Please accept our condolences on the passing of John, he was great man. We will always remember his smile. Keith & Denise Paul
Arlene and families: I ‘m very sorry to hear on John’s passing. My sincere thoughts to you all at this difficult time.
Arlene and family,
Thinking of you all at this time of loss and wishing you peace.
Beryl Maguire
Dear Arlene, Jackie, Chris, Michelle and families, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to all of you.
Mike and Colleen Svistovski
Sorry to hear of Johns passing. His constant smile and quick wit will be missed by all who knew him.
To the Page family
Please accept our most sincere sympathy. Our visits with John always included a friendly smile, a happy chuckle and a catch up on all the grandkids. Hang on to all the good memories and look after each other.
Doug and Brenda
To the Page Family,
Sorry to hear of Johns passing. I remember him as such a calm, cool, witty, never get too excited, proud to be a farmer kind of guy. It was always a good atmosphere when John was around. Had lots of good times and conversations with John over the years. A great person who will be missed by many.
Arlene and Family. Very sorry for your loss.
Elaine Phillips
Arlene and all the Page Families:
So very sorry to hear of John’s (your dad’s) passing. We have many great memories of him that would put a smile on our faces, maybe because he always had one on his! He was a great family man and will be missed by so many. Find comfort on all your great memories of him. Sending our condolences to you all.
Arlene and family, I was happy to have had the opportunity to get to know John over the past few years. Our first meeting, which was supposed to be about the farm, turned into a 2 hour coffee visit with about 10 minutes spent on business! On each subsequent visit we traded travel stories and had many laughs. Please accept my deepest condolences and know the heart has enough room for both hurting and healing.
Page family Wow I still can’t Believe he is gone What a man My Fondest days where playing ball with and against him Then even better after the game
We will all miss him Take care and Battle on Bob and Darlene Deleau
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our hearts go out to each of you. John was a great friend, neighbour and an awesome person. Always smiling and willing to help anyone with anything.
Wishing your family comfort and strength in the days and weeks ahead. We are thinking you and sending our condolences to the family.
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to all the family. May God memories and God’s comfort give you peace.
Alita and I want to pass along our sincerest condolences to you Arlene and your family. John was are great individual and will be missed by all who had the privilege to meet and know him.
My sincere condolences to Arlene Page and family.
Hold your memories close to your heart may they never be far apart. Hugs.