John FEARNLEY

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FEARNLEY: John Fearnley of Rapid City passed away February 11, 2009 at Minnedosa Personal Care Home at the age of 90 years. John was born July 26, 1918 in Wigan Lancashire, England to John and Lucy Fearnley. He came to Canada at the age of three. He was educated at Poplar Grove and Rapid City Schools. He worked on the farm with his father until 1941. He enlisted in the Army at age 23 and was shipped overseas. He received many medals including the Military Medal for Bravery in the fields. After the war he farmed west of Rapid City. On February 1, 1949 he married Vera Trott. After his father’s death the family moved to the homestead north of Rapid City. After Vera’s passing he met long time friend Grace Terry. On September 20, 1986 they were married. He decided to retire from the farm and move to Rapid City. John was a member of the Rapid City Legion, School Board, Oddfellows, Agricultural Society, Curling Club and 4-H leader of the beef club. John was a good friend and neighbor to all, both on farm and in town. Funeral service was held at the Rapid City Legion Hall, February 14, 2009 with Rev. Barb Jardine officiating. Interment was held at the Rapid City Cemetery prior to the service with Legion Honour Guard present. Nieces Marilyn Simpson and Myrna Bayes and Rev. Tom Delgaty spoke on John’s life. Fond memories of family life and military achievements were shared. He was predeceased by wife Vera; son Thomas; brothers-in-law and sisters- in-law Mac and Grace Sibbald, Charlie and Jean Christie, brothers-in-law Norman Taylor, Wilbur Trott and Bob Hyndman, sister- in-law Margaret Hyndman. Surviving are his wife Grace and her daughter Penny (Ron) Buckingham and their family; sons Albert (Sally), children Michelle and Robert, James (Janet), children Elizabeth, April, Vicki and Terry; daughter Margaret (Robert) Lund, children Catherine and Shawn, great-grandson Lucas; and daughter-in-law Irene Lippett; sister Margaret Taylor; brothers-in-law Nyall and Timer Hyndman; sister- in-law Bette Hyndman; also surviving are nephews and nieces and their families. Pallbearers were Robert Fearnley, Shawn Lund, Ken Bayes, Harvey Simpson, Ron Buckingham and Stephen Hay. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Rapid City Legion or charity of your choice. Minnedosa Funeral Service was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 07, 2009