On December 28, 2022, John passed away suddenly at the age of 79 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Helen of 56 years; sons, Richard (Niki), Donald (Rhonda) and Marty (Angela); grandchildren, Waylon, John Henry, Erin, Thomas, Elliot, and Bennett; brother, Doug (Terry) Thomas; sister-in-law, Barb Thomas; Shirley Hope; numerous nieces and nephews; and members of the legal community, especially the lawyers and staff at Duncan Craig LLP.

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He valued time with family and friends, especially at Seba Beach, where the family spent their summers. You could always find him early in the morning enjoying his coffee in the sun on the deck, teaching his children and grandchildren to waterski, or later into the evening around the fire, listening to music with his family and friends. Winters were spent coaching hockey, watching the Oilers, and skiing in the mountains. John always loved horses. He eventually found his passion for Team Cattle Penning and in 2003, he and Helen moved to the farm where he was able to pursue his dream of being a cowboy.

While his varying pursuits always kept him busy, John’s passion for the law and his practice were always constant. He was admitted to the Bar in 1969 and forged a successful practice with Duncan & Craig. His career spanned over 50 years and during this time, John appeared before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.

Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute