John McLAREN

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McLAREN: John Allison “Jack” passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Virden Health Centre with his family by his side. Jack was born to Bill and Lena McLaren on July 29, 1921 at his grandmother’s home in Virden. He grew up on the family farm at NE 18-11-26 in Montgomery district. He attended Montgomery School, then worked with his Dad on the farm. Jack married Kathleen “Kay” Lucking on June 12, 1946 and they took up farming full-time. In 1979 they moved to a home in Virden and in 2004 they became residents of Evergreen Place in Virden. Jack was a loving husband and father and always a gentleman. He was a good farmer, neighbor, and co-worker. During and after his time on the farm, he worked at the Virden Auction Mart in shipping and receiving, them became a brand inspector for the Saskatchewan government. He made many friends throughout his life and was respected by all. Jack was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada. Throughout his life, Jack was an avid sports fan. In his youth he played both hockey and baseball at Hargrave. In later years, he took up curling and golf. He attended local games, following the Virden Oil Kings and the Virden Oilers and spent many hours watching sports on TV. He loved a game of cards of any sort, but bridge was his favorite. He enjoyed the companionship of other card players when he and Kay moved to Evergreen Place. As a youngster, Jack was a member of the 4-H Seed Club and Calf Club. Later, he became a director of Pool Elevators at Hargrave and a member of the Virden Credit Union Board. He belonged to the International Order of Foresters. He was a Past Master of Elkhorn and Lebanon (Masonic Order), a past member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Past District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. Jack is survived by his loving wife Kay of Virden, and their children: Brian and Catherine of Brandon, Merle and Randy Browning of Virden, Bonnie and Lomer Girardin of Virden and Jeanette and Larry Logan of Lenore. He loved to entertain his grandchildren and great- grandchildren with his stories and rhymes, and they will miss him dearly; Michael Browning, Brayden and Carson; Mark and Kelly Browning, Brooklyn and Quinton; Amber Browning and Ryan Lozinski, Jerri and Jaden; Chris McLaren and Tania Zeller; Kelly (Logan) and Curtis Mytopher, Owen; Lindsay McLaren; Autum Logan; Andrew Girardin; and Melissa Girardin and Jeff McWhirter. Jack is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Harold and Gladys McLaren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Virden, Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Lydia Glawson officiating. The interment will be in Virden Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes many be made to Virden Health Auxiliary Remembrance Fund or to the charity of your choice in memory of Jack. Email messages of condolence or sign the online book of condolences at www.carscadden funeral chapel.com G. R. Carscadden Funeral Chapel, Virden in care of arrangements

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 09, 2009