John NORTHAM

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NORTHAM: John William Northam of Rapid City passed away peacefully at the Minnedosa Personal Care Home on July 1, 2013 at the age of 90. He was a kind and gentle man who worked hard, loved his family and loved his wife until the day he died on what would have been their 64th wedding anniversary. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret 10 years ago. John was born to Bill and Iva Northam (nee Grieg), the first of three children in Alexander, Mb. The family moved shortly thereafter into Brandon where his father was employed at the Experimental Farm. He attended Park School until the age of 12 when the family moved to the McBride District to take up farming. John finished school at McBride School and continued farming with this father until he joined the RCAF ground crew in 1942. He spent most of the war in the Maritimes, Newfoundland and Labrador & Quebec. After the war he returned to farming, met & married Margaret MacDougall of Rapid City in 1949. He worked hard to provide for his family in many ways - as a farmer in the McBride area, a truck driver for Sample’s Transfer, a school bus driver for Rolling River School Division for 20 years and commissionaire for the Department of Highways. He was involved in sports throughout his life, his favorite being curling & golf. John was also an active participant in the Rapid City community, serving on many local boards and committees. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a charter member of the Lions Club in Rapid City. He served 28 years on the Minnedosa Hospital Board, was President of the Rapid City Museum board for several years & was involve with United Church Board & Sunday School. Between John and Margaret, there were not many organizations within the Rapid City community they did not support whole heartedly. They were proud to raise their 6 children in Rapid City and this love of country life has been passed on to their grandchildren who spent time over the years with their grandparents. Dad’s happiest times were when all the family were home to visit. John is survived by his sisters, Edie Matthews of Richmond, B.C. & May Dallinger of Victoria, B.C., six children, Linda Black (Ken), Barb Peters (Doug), Gwen Northam, Alex Northam (Kim), Elizabeth Schmidt (Russell) & Carol Chmielnicki (Bob), 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The funeral was held on July 5, 2013 at the Rapid City United Church, officiated by Barb Jardine. Pall bears were grandsons, Michael Black, William Pasieka, Justin Schmidt, Jonathan Northam and son in laws Russell Schmidt & Bob Chmielnicki. The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the Home Care attendants at the Townsview Manor and all those who worked and cared for Dad in the Personal Care Home in Minnedosa, who would became part of his extended family and to whom we will always be grateful. He was happy in their midst. Those wishing to make donations may do so to the Rapid City Legion #49, Box 188, the Rapid City Museum, Box 271, both at Rapid City, MB., R0K 1W0 or a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 20, 2013