JOHN FRANCIS BIDEWELL

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JOHN FRANCIS BIDEWELL With deep sorrow, the family of Jack Bidewell announces his death at Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, on Friday, September 29, 2006 at the age of 90 years. Jack was the beloved husband of Dorothy, cherished father of Frances, Laurie Holmes (Larry) of Hanna AB, Melanie, Graeme (Janice Duynisveld) and Pamela (Rick Kolesar). He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Shannon McBride (Darren), Michael Holmes (Jodi) and Alexander, Robyn and Reid Kolesar. He is also survived by his great-grandson Hunter Holmes; and by his sisters-in-law Audrey Bidewell of Cambridge, ON, Helen Inverarity of Olds, AB, Florence Chute of Kelowna, BC; cousin Margaret Williams (Bob) of Toronto; and by many nieces and nephews. Jack was born in Longford Mills, ON, the eldest son of Elizabeth and Frank Bidewell, on May 14, 1916. He and his two brothers attended school in Longford Mills and Orillia. During his youth, he was an avid athlete, participating in hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, tennis and football, both at school and university. Growing up in an idyllic setting between two lakes in southern Ontario, he swam, rowed, canoed, fished, snowshoed and skied, developing a lifelong passion for the outdoors. After graduating from the Ontario College of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, Jack joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and served overseas for two years during the Second World War. He and Dorothy Williamson met in Monteith, ON while both were serving with the Medical Corps, and were married in 1948. They resided in Iroquois Falls in northern Ontario for several years and moved to Winnipeg when Jack joined the federal Department of Health and Welfare (Division of Narcotic Control). He retired from this position in 1981 and devoted the rest of his life to his family, his home and garden and his beloved dogs. He also enjoyed travel and theatre and was a longtime volunteer at Sturgeon Creek Community Club. Jack was an original Winnipeg Jets season ticketholder and attended games with his friends for many years. He was a gentle and patient man who had a wealth of knowledge and a great wit. Jack was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Bob and Stafford; sisters-in-law, Kay Bidewell and Laura Imrie; and brothers-in-law, Jack Williamson, Alex Imrie and Bob Inverarity. Our family's deepest gratitude to the nurses, doctors, health care aides and therapists at the Grace Hospital, who treated him with love and respect over the years. They went above and beyond the call of duty many times. Very special thanks to Dr. Tom Aldor, who treated Jack as a friend. A family service will be held at Grace Hospital Chapel. If friends desire, rather than flowers, we would appreciate donations to the Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg MB R3J 3M7 (telephone 837-0375) or to a charity of choice. Good night sweetheart, Till we meet tomorrow. Good night sweetheart, Sleep will banish sorrow. Tho' I'm not beside you, Still my love will guide you. Dreams enfold you, In each one I'll hold you. Good night, sweetheart, good night. Jack's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2006