JOHN JOSEPH AUSTIN SHEEHAN

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• Austin was one of my favourite relatives and when visiting Winnipeg over the years I was always happy to see him. Although I have not seen him for many years I have fond memories of my visits with the Sheehan family. Love Molly - Posted by: Molly Macphee (Cousin) on: Mar 18, 2015

• I will always remember him as a true "gentleman". He was so respectful and generous...always ready to use his many skills in the service of others. He was a quiet presence during family gathers and usually took something home to repair! My parents treasured the oak china cabinet he crafted as a 50th Wedding Anniversary gift. The oak for this project had been taken from the bush on our farm. My father was very fond of hunting trips with Austin and we enjoyed the venison that was shared with us. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you celebrate the life of Austin. - Posted by: Mary Ellen King (Cousin) on: Jan 20, 2015

• We met Austin when we moved in the house next door about 18 years ago...Austin was not an overly talkative guy but I just kept saying hello and after some time he answered instead of nodding. You could tell he was a pretty special guy...so talented. He loved all the things he collected and was not willing to part with them...I guess that was part of his charm. I was lucky enough to visit him at Riverview 2 days before going away for the winter. We are fortunate to have had him as our neighbour along with his brother Bernard and sister Cecilia...couldn't have better neighbours. - Posted by: Lucy and Stan Neufeld (Friends and neighbours) on: Jan 19, 2015

• My name is Paddy Gladden, Austin and I have been the best of friends for over 55 years Since our days with Trans Air Canada Air Lines and Air Canada. Austin and I have been hunting buddies for over 40 years, the last time we hunted together I believe Austin was 90 years old. Joan my good wife would always say before we went hunting “now be careful and don't bring anything home” and I didn't, the venison or elk would go with Austin and into his freezer. Cecelia and Bernard would greet us when we arrived at their door. I can only remember once we returned empty handed. I still remember the look on Bernard's face of disappointment, He was more disappointed than Austen or me! I remember one year we were out hunting and Austin did shoot a lovely buck, which was running at 200 yards. It was a beauty and we didn’t have the camera. A few weeks later I saw Austin and he said “you know Paddy that is the best venison we have ever tasted, I wonder why? When Austin wasn't away hunting or fishing he was at his work bench fixing or reconditioning something for someone, Austin could fix anything from a tachometer for an aircraft to a grandfather clock. I can't remember anything Austin couldn't fix. He was Mr. Fix-it! It is a 2 ½ hour drive from Winnipeg to our cabin and in that time Austin and I bonded and re-bonded. Austin was never into heavy conversation but in that 2 ½ hours we covered everything, our aches and pains, cost of living, investments and a little politics. Austin was a very religious man, during his stay at the cabin if it included a Sunday, I would drive him to either Neepawa or McCreary for church; he had to be there. I'm glad that Austin and I got to spend as much time together as we did, I will always remember him and be proud of him, Austin was always a perfect gentleman. His memory will live on in all of us forever.. - Posted by: Paddy Gladden (Good friend) on: Jan 19, 2015