It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of John Herbert, of Red Deer, on February 1, 2019.

John is survived by Dorothy, his loving wife and the love of his life for 71 years, his daughter Linda, his sons Elden (Cathy) and Bob (Cheryl), and his grandchildren Andrew (Amanda), Madison and Mikaela.

John was the third-oldest child of six boys and four girls in a traditional Irish family and he grew up working on the family farm in the Ottawa Valley. His efforts to follow his oldest brother overseas into World War II were thwarted when his mother contacted his Commanding Officer and informed him that John was only 17 and should not be away at basic training. The next year, in 1944, John turned 18, and he joined the RCAF and spent a rewarding 25-year career stationed throughout Western Canada and France. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, John settled in Red Deer and began his second career at the Alberta Liquor Control Board, which spanned the next 18 years.

John made many good friends over the years and he was an accomplished curler, golfer, and carpenter. Fine furniture made by John is valued in many homes throughout Central Alberta.

John was shaped initially by the hardship of growing up on a farm during the dirty ’30s and then further by the rigid discipline instilled in him by the armed forces; however, he was still fundamentally a soft man at heart and as he aged he learned to show his love to his grandchildren, family, friends and caregivers with big smiles, warm handshakes and hugs whenever he could.

John was also a member of the congregation of The Sacred Heart Catholic Church and he rarely missed mass or the saying of his prayers every night while kneeling at his bedside. He will be missed by all.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff on units 31 and 33 at the Red Deer Hospital, and to the staff at Points West Living and Bethany Collegeside, all of whom provided care and compassion during the final stage of his life.

As per John’s wishes, there will be a private graveside service.

Condolences may be sent to meaningful@telus.net, and if desired, donations in John Herbert’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service.

• Date : 2019-02-01
• Location : Red Deer