JOHN STANLEY THRELFALL

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JOHN STANLEY THRELFALL John passed away peacefully March 28, 2007, surrounded by his family. He was born September 23, 1921, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, graduating from Kelvin High School. John contracted polio in 1924 and the resulting disability forged the character and resolve with which he lived his life. He believed strongly in community, serving on numerous boards over the years. He was particularly committed to young people, coaching minor hockey and acting in an executive capacity with the Greater Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association. He also served as a School Trustee in St. Vital. He is remembered fondly by many young people whose lives he touched. John began his career with the Winnipeg Supply and Fuel Co. in construction, eventually retiring as Vice-President of Plibrico Canada. John and Bettie moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver in 1983, where he retired. They then moved to Kelowna in 1999 and resided in Sandlewood Adult Community. He spent seven years enjoying the friendship, support and activities of that community. John's legacy to his family included the cottage he built at Moose Lake, Manitoba, where he spent each of the last 48 summers, his quick wit, gentle disposition and unconditional love. He is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 61 years, Bettie; his son Jim (Doreen); daughter Pat May (Tony); five grandchildren: Sean (Lia), Terry, Dan, Chris and Elizabeth; great-granddaughter Lauren; his brother Howard (Dorothy) and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jan McIntosh for his support and Unit B Cottonwoods for their care and compassion over the last two months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Stroke Foundation, #4 - 1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9, or KGH Foundation directed to Cottonwoods Reactivation Unit, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2. A gift in living memory of John will be made to Holding Hands for Hospice by Springfield Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2007