JOHN ALLEN RIORDAN -

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JOHN ALLEN RIORDAN 1923 - 2008 John died peacefully in his sleep on December 29, 2008. He is survived by wife (of 57 years) Alma, son Blair (Diane) and daughters, Cheryl Chris (Jack) and Janice, his grandchildren, Erin, Scott, Darcy, Cody and Melissa whom he doted on. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy and Phyllis (Charles). John was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Velma, Lorraine, Helen, Willene, and brother Robert. John was born on September 2, 1923 in Carman, Manitoba. He lived in various rural Manitoba locations and worked on the farm before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. He was originally stationed in Brandon and then was transferred to Newfoundland. While stationed there, he suffered a fall in 1943 resulting in spinal cord injuries. He spent time in several hospitals before being transferred to Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg. He met wife Alma (a nurse) while an outpatient at Deer Lodge in 1949. John was a handyman and operated a small appliance repair business from his shop at home for years. Many people in Charleswood had their radios, TV's, kettles and all those small electronic appliances repaired by John over the last 57 years he spent at his Charleswood home. He had a passion for flying and took a great interest in that over the years. He took flying lessons and for a time was a member of the Winnipeg Gliding Club. John was an avid reader and a great conversationalist. He could talk to both young and old on a variety of subjects. A morning, afternoon or evening of conversation would pass by before you knew it. He belonged to the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Charleswood Legion, ANAVETS, Charleswood Historical Society, Western Canadian Aviation Museum and the Brandon Aviation Museum. John had Home Care Services for several years. He had excellent care and the family greatly appreciated his home care workers' help and compassion. The family would like to specially thank Dr. A. N. Schroeder, John's long time physician, for his extraordinary care over the years. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Inc., 3030 Notre Dame Ave., across from Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Western Canadian Aviation Museum, Hanger T-2, 958 Ferry Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0Y8. Neil Bardal Inc. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2009