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JOHN ARTHUR SWAIN WESTDAL
Born: Feb 17, 1944
Date of Passing: Dec 04, 2009
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JOHN ARTHUR SWAIN WESTDAL It is with thankfulness for an incredible life that we announce the passing of a wonderful son, husband, brother, father, afi, and dear friend to many on Friday, December 4, 2009. John leaves to cherish his memory his mother Evelyn, his wife Heather, his siblings Harold (Heather), Barb (Alan), his children Tanis (Rodney), David (Sarah), Paul (Jen), grand-children Christopher, Charlotte, Robertson, and Veronica. He will be fondly remembered by his uncle and aunt as well as his many cousins, nieces and nephews. An incredible man with an interest in everyone's story, John's friendship will be treasured by the many people he has met throughout his life. John was born on February 17, 1944 at the Winnipeg General Hospital to loving parents Jack and Evelyn. Jack brought his young family to Elk Lake on Vancouver Island where he flew for the R.C.A.F. After the war his father's career as a bush pilot took John to The Pas, with summers spent at Norway House. He spent his youth in Swan River and Neepawa and returned to graduate from Kelvin High School in Winnipeg in 1962. John attended and graduated from the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Engineering. It was during his studies that he met the love of his life, Heather Robertson as they carpooled to and from university together. John would take Heather on dates flying in a Piper Colt. John and Heather were married on August 5, 1967. Following their marriage, John continued his studies at the University of Manitoba, completing his Masters degree in control systems engineering in 1969. Schooling complete, John and his young bride decided on a new adventure and working for C.U.S.O. they travelled together to Tanzania, where he taught at the Dar es Salaam Technical College. Time in Dar was filled with new-found friendships, sailing on the Indian Ocean and travelling around the country by motorbike. After the birth of their first child Tanis, John and Heather returned to Canada, settling in Pinawa, Manitoba where John worked at AECL. Their family continued to grow with the birth of two sons, David and Paul. John shared many gifts with his family, including his love of the outdoors, teaching his children how to sail, ski, canoe and camp. John loved life in Pinawa, where he formed life-long friendships cultivating his interests in bridge, ham radio, sailing, and bee-keeping. He was quick to volunteer in the community, particularly with the Trans-Canada Trail and radio-work at triathlons and cross-country skiing events. After early retirement from AECL, John's consulting work allowed for winters spent on the water. John and Heather shared many sailing adventures in the Florida Keys, including a crossing to the Bahamas on their boat Freyja. They shared dry land adventures as well, cycling the east coast of Canada, hiking Scotland and travelling to Mexico and Iceland. John loved learning through books, people and life-experience. While loathe to give advice, when asked, he would share his knowledge in his typical easy-going manner. John was a thoughtful, strong and wise man who loved deeply. His house was always open for a visit from friends and family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them to the conservatory in Winnipeg, or along the river trail to Book Break in Pinawa. Plainly stated, John was a good man and will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held at the Pinawa Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Recreational Trails Association or the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2009