JOHN WINCHESTER LOW

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JOHN WINCHESTER LOW, peacefully in his sleep in Hay River, NWT on Sunday, January 30, 2005 in his 97th year. Predeceased by his loving wife Thora Margret Low (April 24, 1997); dearly loved father of five children and 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Wynn Turner (John Quigley) of Perth, ON, grandchildren, Alice and Geoffrey Turner, Brenden and Sarah Quigley; George (Barbara) Low of Hay River, NWT, grandchildren, Kevin (Stephanie), great-grandson Riel, Sonia and John Michael Low; Paul (Wanda) Low of Stonewall, MB, grandchildren, Madeline, Christopher and Charles Low; Rosemary (Dale) Krushel of Alton, ON, grandchildren, Shelley, Tiffaney, Kimberley and Kelsey Krushel; and Kathleen Low (David Lewis) of Sebright, ON and grandson Laefer Lewis. John was born in Winnipeg, MB and moved to Norway House at age 13 with his parents who established Playgreen Inn. John and his wife Thora took over operation of the Inn in 1953 when his father became ill. John, Thora and family, lived in both the old and the new Playgreen Inn , sharing their home with travellers, friends, customers and guests. John also developed a general store and was well known in Norway House and enjoyed a successful business until he and Thora retired to Winnipeg in 1973. John's son, Robert Paul continues to operate the store to this day. John did go south for high school and showed his athletic ability as the all-round gold medal winner in track and field for the City of Winnipeg in 1925 and also distinguished himself as a lightweight boxer. During the depression years when John was a young man, it was hard to make a living. Never defeated, he undertook a variety of jobs in the north - he trapped, fought forest fires, cooked at a mining camp, manned the forestry office, taught school at Island Lake, prospected for gold. John was a very artistic man. He appreciated nature's beauty all around him, loved each sunset for the many colours of coral or salmon or flaming orange. He took many photographs and loved to show slides during long winter evenings. He loved to walk in the woods and often picked wild flowers. He enjoyed sketching with pencil, and in the early years with crayons. During his retirement, he took lessons at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and later instructed a senior's class. He changed from landscape to animals, and did some of his most detailed and wondrous art after the age of 70. John was very gregarious, organizing dances at the Inn during tourist season and he brought entertainment to the people of Norway House. After serving in the Air Force during the Second World War, he returned to Norway House with his wife and two children. He wanted to bring talkie movies to Norway House on Saturday nights, and so acquired a projector and built a hall adjoining the general store. And what a great time was had by all, a weekly show with food and drink followed by square dancing with live music. After his wife Thora died in 1997, John moved to Hay River in the Northwest Territories to live with his son, George Low. John wanted to be buried in Norway House where he grew up and worked most of his life. A memorial service was held at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Hay River on February 5. Funeral service at St. Mark's Anglican Church, Norway House, Friday, February 11, interment to follow. John was loving, cheerful, humourous, courteous and affectionate to the end of his life here on earth, with many stories to tell. He will be missed by all who knew him.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2005