Obituary of John Winston CHURCHILL

John Winston Churchill passed away peacefully at the age of 80 at the Rockyview General Hospital surrounded by his family. John will be deeply missed by the love of his life, his wife Margaret, of 52 years, his son David (Lorraine) and daughter Karen (Stacy) Stetski, his two adoring grandchildren, Conor and Brendan, by his brother, Dr. Bernard (Margaret) Churchill of Los Angeles, California and his nephews Michael, Patrick, Brian and Alex. Quiet, generous, wise and humble are words that describe John perfectly. He had a tremendous sense of humour and a kind heart. He was a man of integrity and always put his family first. Born and raised in Calgary, he grew up in Elbow Park and attended Elbow Park Elementary, Rideau Park and Central High School. He excelled in all sports, especially in track and field. John was educated at Queen’s University and the University of Alberta. He also served his country as an officer with the Queen’s Own Rifles (4th Canadian Infantry Brigade) in Germany. John had the distinction of being the Alberta gold medalist when he received his Chartered Accountant designation in 1963. In his career he served as a financial officer for several oil and gas service companies and an aviation company. At the time of his retirement in 1992, John was a tax partner at Deloitte & Touche. He was known as a consummate professional and a trusted advisor to many companies. He loved to see the world and after his retirement, he and Margaret traveled extensively throughout England, Ireland, Europe, China and Japan. Vacations to Mexico, Kelowna and Maui were favourites, enjoying time in the sunshine and being with his family. He believed in lifelong learning and with Margaret, took numerous courses on a wide range of subjects from art history to ancient Egypt. He was an avid reader of history, poetry and crime fiction and a film buff who loved westerns and action movies and also enjoyed musicals, live theatre and museums. John was a big sports fan, especially hockey. He took pleasure in coaching both minor league hockey and lacrosse, watching his beloved Notre Dame football team, his grandson’s hockey games and the Olympics. He always appreciated the beauty, sadness and joys of life. He realized life is precious and made the most of his time here with those who were fortunate enough to share it with him. Lines from John’s favourite poem, Invictus, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul” are words he lived by. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at the Rockyview ICU for their expertise and compassionate care of John. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army or the Calgary Humane Society. While we will miss John dearly, it is never good-bye, it is see you later. “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”