JOHN RICHARD WARKENTINE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN RICHARD WARKENTINE Peacefully, on Thursday, February 24, 2005, John R. Warkentine passed away at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He was 76 years old. John was born in Winnipeg on July 15, 1928, the only son of John Cornelius and Helen Warkentine (nee Wiebe). A graduate of Kelvin High School, he began his working career as an apprentice clerk with the Hudson Bay Co. in northern Ontario. He returned to Winnipeg in 1950, where, upon his Confession of Faith, he was baptized as a member of First Mennonite Church. Later on that same year, he met and married Kathrine Dueck. The marriage was to last for 54 years. The house on Strathcona Street was purchased in 1951, and the family grew in 1954 with the birth of a son, Gordon. In the ensuing years, John pursued a wide variety of interests - among them reading, photography, anthropology, and of course, fishing. First and foremost, however, was his devotion to his family. John retired from his position as a store manager for Astral Photo in 1993. The years following were at times difficult, due to a variety of health issues. Still, through it all, John maintained a quiet dignity, always managing to look toward the brighter future certain to be found just around the next bend in the river of life. He was predeceased by his father in 1950, and his mother in 1994. Surviving are his wife Kathrine and son Gordon; one brother-in-law Ernie Dueck (wife Jean); and three sisters-in-law, Charlotte Barg, Carol Froese, and Agnes Ward. He will also be sadly missed by his many cousins, whom he considered to be his brothers and sisters. As per John's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave. In lieu of flowers, should friends and family so desire, donation in John's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or to the Mennonite Central Committee. Gone Fishing! Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2005