JOHN ROBERT DUDLEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN ROBERT DUDLEY MARKHAM On October 30, 2007 at Grace Hospice, John lost his final battle with cancer. He fought courageously and with dignity, only having concern for the family he loved so much. He is survived by Barbara (Ellard), his wife of 39 years, son David (Shannon) and daughter Karen. He was predeceased by his parents, Cyril Guy and Matilda Markham, and sister Mary (Charles Brown). John was born on February 27, 1933 in London, Ontario where he grew up and attended school before moving on to university studies at the universities of Waterloo and Alberta. In 1962 he moved to Winnipeg and embarked on a 33 year career at The University of Manitoba, beginning as a temporary employee in the Registrar’s Office. John’s talents and collegiality allowed him to rise through the ranks to positions in the Faculty of Education, and eventually to a senior position in the Office of the President as Director of Space Management from which he retired in 1995. John remained extremely active during his retirement years. Most of his time during the summer months was spent enjoying friends, family, the outdoors and Lake Winnipeg at the family cottage at Matlock, Manitoba. It was at the cottage and around the house that John was able to engage in his favourite activity- “puttering” at projects and odd jobs that had been waiting for his undivided attention. John and Barbara also took the opportunity to explore the world and enjoyed visiting such locales as Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Great Britain and New York City. John volunteered actively with causes and organizations that had contributed to his development as a young man. He had a long affiliation with the Boy Scouts of Canada beginning as a member of the 11th London Cardinals Scout troop where he became a King’s Scout and participated in the first-ever Canadian Scout Jamboree held in Ottawa in 1949. He became a leader with the 67th Winnipeg Beavers, Cubs and Scouts where he passed on his thorough knowledge of Morse code and knots to a generation of young men. John was also a member of the vestry at Christ Church (Anglican) where he took pride in helping with the business affairs of the congregation during a challenging period in the history of that church. He valued the relationships developed there. John was a full participant in the game of life. He was a husband, father, brother and loyal friend, but he was so much more. He was a creator, explorer, mentor, problem solver, story teller, but above all a person who gave much of himself to others and displayed a remarkable selflessness and generosity when called on, as he would say, to “aid-and-abet.” The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Dr. T. Cavett and staff on 6A (Medicine) at St. Boniface General Hospital during John’s two month stay there and in particular to all the staff, volunteers, and chaplains at Grace Hospice for the wonderful care and love provided to John during the last seven months of his life. The gentleness provided John during the course of his stay, and the genuine concern for our family will be remembered always. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to Grace Hospice, through the Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg R3J 3M7 or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160 - 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg R3E 0V9 would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of John’s life, officiated by the Rev. Phil Barnett on Monday, November 5, 1:00 p.m., at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 755 Elm Street at Grant Avenue in Winnipeg. A reception will follow in the church hall. “Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2007