John RAMSAY

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RAMSAY: John David Ramsay passed away in the City of Brandon on Thursday, September 1st, 2011 at the age of 94 years. John was born on a hot summer day, July 21st, 1917, on his paternal grandparents homestead near Bradwardine, Manitoba. He was the oldest child of Vinna and Willie Ramsay. When John was about 8 months old the family left Bradwardine and went to live at the Freeland farm in the Brookdale area near his maternal grandparents. John would live at Freeland until he was 19 years old. John's brother Robb was born in 1919 giving him someone to play and tussle with. Like all little boys John wasn't beyond getting into his fair share of trouble. In 1929, John's parents brought home a baby sister 'Betty' from the hospital. This was pretty special for an 11 year old boy. School learning was not hard for John but he found it somewhat a bit tedious. By the time he was 15 he had completed Grade 11 in Brookdale. During 1933-35, John spent two school terms at Canadian Junior College (CJC) near Lacombe, Alberta. Here he was baptized into the Seventh- day Adventist church. In John's last year at CJC there was a young lady that took his fancy. Little did he know that he would discover Esther some 15 years later and she would become wife and mother to his five children. In 1935, John graduated from the pre-medical course with the idea of attending the College of Medical Evangelists at Loma Linda, California. At that time he was only 17 years old and the college would not accept him until he was 19 years old. John returned to Brookdale to help his father farm on the homestead property. In 1937, John and his friend Bill McDonald were awarded a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto because of their work with the boys and girls calf club. John never intended to be a farmer and never forgot his ambitions of becoming a doctor. During the winter of 1939-40 and the following summer, John went to the University of Manitoba to upgrade his education. Disappointingly he did not do well and this ended his formal education. In 1940 the Battle of Britain was on and John applied for status as a Conscientious Objector. This was granted by Judge Adamson in the Brandon Court House. On December 7, 1941, John was called to do Alternative Service at Riding Mountain National Park for four months. John's job in camp was grubbing out trees on the right of way on the road to Whirlpool Lake. The park was building a campsite there for sport fishermen. John returned from Alternative Service Camp in the Spring of 1942 on humanitarian grounds. In 1947, John's father Willie retired and John took over the homestead at Brookdale. Around this time John was elected to the Brookdale Board of Directors of the Manitoba Pool Elevators. He also served as Secretary to the Board for 21 years. He enjoyed his work with that organization very much and deeply appreciated the fine qualities of the men who served with him. On March 16, 1949, John married Esther Neufeld from Hague, Saskatchewan. It did not take long for the babies to come: Phyllis (1950), Patricia (1951), Roberts (1952), Bruce (1954), and Judy (1956). In 1959, John was one of the pioneer members who was instrumental in the founding of the local Seventh-day Adventist church in Brandon. He was one of the last surviving members of this group. John faithfully enjoyed serving the local church as an ordained elder, Bible teacher, and Board member. John was a firm believer in Christian education and all his children completed college or university at a tremendous financial sacrifice. John and Esther's children presented them with six grandchildren (including triplets). They were saddened that their grandchildren did not live closer, but they had lots of reasons now to make trips to Edmonton and see them at least once or twice a year. In 1981, Esther and John retired to Brandon after 32 happy years on the farm at Brookdale. John was 62 years old. John and Esther were very active in their retirement. John built grandfather clocks for each of his children. They loved to go to church camp meetings and travel. John joined the Seniors for Seniors Co-op, an organization to help seniors stay in their houses longer. John enjoyed the work and met a lot of very nice people. Often you would see John driving his 1953 International pickup truck down the streets of Brandon with a lawnmower in the back. There were many family gatherings. A camping trip to Kananaskis in 1996 was a big highlight as well as their 50th anniversary celebration in 1999 in Edmonton. In 2006, Esther was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away that year. She was able to see a picture of her first great-grandchild before she died. Now John is the proud great-grandfather of 12 children, the last born one week before his death. John's oldest daughter, Phyllis passed away after a short illness in 2009. After her death, John's home began to lose its appeal, and John began to weaken. He was very lonely and needed more care. On January 13th, 2010, John entered the next stage of his life at Hillcrest Place and lived there until his death. John was predeceased by his wife Esther, and his daughter Phyllis Willauer. He is survived by his brother Robb Ramsay of Brandon; sister Betty Aab of California; four children; Patricia Selman (Jim) of Tsawwassen, B.C., Robert 'Bob' Ramsay (Marty) of Edmonton, Bruce Ramsay (Estelle) of Sherwood Park, Judy Ramsay (Charlie) of Brandon. There are six grandchildren; Carlene Ramsay, Shaun (Jessica) Ramsay, Michelle (Ryan) Jutras, Scott (Rose) Ramsay, Matthew (Noelle) Ramsay, Greg (Alex) Ramsay, all of Edmonton; twelve great-grandchildren: Gavin, Liam, Lauren, Darren, Alaina, Matthew, Kurt,Chloe, Mirielle, Nicole, Amelia, and Jonas. A Graveside Ceremony was held at the Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Pastor Roy Jamieson officiated Pallbearers were: Pat Selman, Jim Selman, Judy Ramsay, Charlie Partridge, Bob Ramsay and Bruce Ramsay. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of John to Camp Whitesands, c/o Man.-Sask. Conference, 1004 Victoria Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 0Z8.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangementswere with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 10, 2011