JOHN ALEXANDER ANDERSON

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JOHN ALEXANDER ANDERSON Peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2005, with his beloved daughter Elaine at his side, John Alexander Anderson passed away at the age of 84. Dad was born in Winnipeg on March 20, 1921, the son of Alexander and Mary (McIntyre) Anderson, who had recently emigrated from Scotland. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage. On August 28, 1940, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was assigned as a gunner to the 15th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division. He initially trained in Winnipeg and was sent overseas in the fall of that year. He was stationed in several towns in southern England to defend the coastline from aerial attack. It was common for them to change locations every 3 months to prevent them from becoming too friendly with the local civilians. One month after the Normandy Invasion, his Division was deployed to France and took part in battle around Caen and Falaise. Following Germany's surrender his regiment remained on occupation duty in Germany until July 1945 at which time they were deployed to Holland. His unit was disbanded in October 1945 and he returned to civilian life in Canada. Upon his return to Canada he worked for two years at Eatons as a salesman in the shoe department and then went to work at the Post Office in 1947. It was at Eatons where he met the love of his life, Winnifrid (Winn) Lees. Dad and Mom were married on June 25, 1949, and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year. In 1977, Dad retired from the Post Office after completing 30 years of service. Dad and Mom then moved to Gimli, MB, where they both enjoyed retirement living for 21 years. It was in Gimli where Dad discovered his love of gardening, a hobby that kept him very busy for many months of the year. Retirement also gave him an opportunity to travel and he enjoyed many trips to places such as England, Scotland, the eastern and southern U.S. states, and most provinces in Canada. His other leisure activities included golf, curling, fishing, reading, endless crossword puzzles and playing cards, especially cribbage. Dad was very active with the Royal Canadian Legion with memberships at the Duke of Kent branch and the Gimli branch. Dad served the legion in a variety of positions including President of the Gimli Branch. Dad was also a member of the Viking Masonic Lodge. For health reasons, Dad and Mom returned to Winnipeg in 1998 and following several strokes, Dad recently moved into the Deer Lodge Centre. Dad was renowned and loved for his quick wit and subtle sense of humour. As a kid' in the Canadian Army, we are told his sense of adventure and love of practical jokes caused no end of concern for his NCOs. Even in his final days it was not uncommon for a new nurse or caregiver to walk away laughing from an encounter with Dad. Dad cherished the many friends he had and was grateful for the time spent with both them and his family. We appreciate the wonderful care he received from the staff at both the Beacon Hill Lodge and Tower 4 of the Deer Lodge Centre and would like to express to them our heartfelt thanks. Dad was predeceased by his parents and by his beloved sister, Helen Boulay. He is survived by his wife Winn; daughter Linda, son-in-law David and grandson Taylor Ash of Winnipeg; daughter Elaine Anderson and grandson Ryan Reeve of Winnipeg; son Lorne, daughter-in-law Carol and granddaughters, Alexandra and Micaela Anderson of Langley, BC. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held today in Winnipeg. If friends so desire, donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. The years may wipe out many things. But this they wipe out never. The memory of those happy days. When we were all together. May God bless you Dad and Stand Sure. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2005