John SHEARDOWN

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SHEARDOWN: John Ross (Wimp) Sheardown October 16, 1928-July 12, 2012.Leaving us with many precious memories, and so sad, the family of John Ross Sheardown announce his passing, at 83 years of age, on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at Hamiota District Health Centre with his family by his side. Ross was born at Hamiota, MB and lived there his entire life. Ross worked in Sweid’s Store, the Red and White Store and Jamieson’s Store as delivery boy. He also worked for Jack Reid when Reid’s built Caldwell Motors which is now TJ’S Auto Service. Ross also worked for his Uncles Roy and Jack Houck in Houck’s Garage. In 1951 he went to work for Gordon Smith at the Massey Harris in Hamiota. On May 3, 1952 Ross married Norma Robinson from Binscarth, MB. They were blessed with two children, Jeff and Leslee. In April 1957 Ross became the Imperial Oil Agent. In 1958 he began “moon lighting” for the Hamiota Medical Group keeping books and started working full time for them in 1963. He became Assistant Administrator for the Health Centre in 1974. In 1975 Ross completed a two year Administrator course by correspondence and in 1979 became Administrator of the Hamiota Health Centre. He retired on June 31, 1993. Ross enjoyed curling, fishing, camping, hockey and baseball. He could also fix just about anything. He had a strong work ethic which became instilled in his children and grandchildren of whom he was very proud. Ross has two great grandchildren, Morgan and Edie, and he loved to be where they were. He felt very honored when Morgan Ross was named after him. He loved and valued he and Norma’s extended family and their many friends. He was a Lion Club member for 46 years, belonged to the Hamiota United Church, was a member of the church choir, served on Town Council for 6 years, was a member of the fire department for several years, and ambulance driver for numerous years. In his retirement he was a Handy Transit driver and was on the Handivan Committee for 16 years. Over the past 28 years Ross had three serious surgeries (when recovery was questionable) that he survived to continue to enjoy life again as well as two hip replacements and one hip repair. He walked miles and kept up with his exercises as well. All of this with hardly a complaint. You did good J.R. and we are so proud of you! Ross is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Norma, son Jeff (Cheryl) grandsons Matthew and Mark of Calgary, AB, daughter Leslee (Brian McKee) of Brookdale, MB, granddaughter Julia (Nathan Fleck) of Dauphin, MB, grandson Jarret of Vancouver, BC, great-grandchildren Morgan and Edie Fleck of Dauphin, MB. Also his sisters Beth Jamieson of Hamiota and Doreen Alexander of Virden, MB, sister-in-law Marion Sheardown of Hamiota, brother Glen (Helen) of Richmond, BC, sisters-in-law Thelma (George) Boucher of Binscarth, MB, Shirley Williamson of Regina, SK, brothers-in-law Garry (Marion) Robinson of Winnipeg, MB, Glenn (Bonnie) Robinson of Stony Mountain, MB, Garth (Joyce) Robinson of Winnipeg, MB, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ross was predeceased by his parents, Jennie and Thomas Sheardown, brothers Gordon, Lorne and Melvin Sheardown, brothers-in-law Jamie Jamieson, Jim Alexander and Ron Williamson. A celebration of Ross’s life was held on July 17, 2012 in Hamiota United Church with Rev. Rachel Robinson officiating. Campbell’s Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements. Prior to the church service, Ross was laid to rest in Hamiota Cemetery. Donations in Ross’s memory may be made to the following: Hamiota United Church Memorial Fund, Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0, Hamiota District Health Centre Foundation c/o Palliative Care Program or Chemotherapy Program Box 671 Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0, Hamiota Aquatic Centre Box 100 Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0 or charity of one’s choice.Card of ThanksThere are so many people we would like to thank who over the past 28 years have helped us out so often in so many different ways: our family, friends and neighbours, the Hamiota Health Centre and their wonderful staff for their kindness and caring during Wimp’s many “visits” to the hospital, the Brandon General Hospital doctors and nursing staff for kindness and care over the years, all the delicious food brought to us time and again as well as following Wimp’s passing, the gorgeous flowers, the beautiful cards with comforting personal messages, and donations made in his memory. Thanks to Rev. Rachel Robinson and Dwayne and staff, thanks to organist Agnes Bridge and the choir, thanks to Ron Houck, Ken Smith and Rob Johnson for the musical tribute song and thanks to the UCW ladies for the delicious lunch. You people are all truly awesome! Overwhelming is the only word we can think of that describes our feelings. No wonder Wimp loved Hamiota so much! It certainly is a wonderful, caring and supportive place to live. We will be making a donation to the Chemotherapy Unit here in Hamiota in place of personal thank you’s. God Bless all of you!~ Norma, Jeff and Cheryl, Leslee and Brian and their families

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 25, 2012