John’s Obituary
John Firth-Warlund
John spent his childhood on the move, often residing in resort hotels in which his parents worked. As a teen, he lived for a while with his aunt in Stockholm. At 17, John joined the RCAF. Graduating near the top of his class, he was given a choice between postings in Gimli or Rivers, Manitoba. (He chose Gimli.) Later, he spent two years stationed in St-Avold, France. Later still, he joined the Reserves and served with the Grenadier Guards.
John slowed down long enough to go to university as a mature student. He taught Special Education after starting out teaching History, Geography, and Moral and Religious Education. He went on to study theology at McGill University.
John met Sheila in the 80s. They married and together moved another 20 times. One of John’s early loves was cycling. Sheila’s wedding present to the two of them was a tandem bicycle named Daisy. They led a small parade of cyclists from the church to their backyard wedding reception.
John and Sheila, with another friend, began a thriving rail trail in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. In Shelburne, NS, John became drum major for a re-enactment group. He loved parades, or at least parading. He was also a builder of rock gardens wherever he went, sometimes moving rocks from one province to another.
The day John lost his balance and fell off his bike marked the beginning of more noticeable Parkinson’s symptoms. Having always enjoyed long walks and rides, he eventually couldn’t balance on a tricycle or even stand. He mourned the loss of his independence and longed to be outdoors, exploring and building his garden railroad empire. John’s diminished world was a trial that he mostly bore with good grace. His pleasure remained in time spent with Sheila. Much thanks to the staff at The Meadows for their care and good humour, which made his last three years more bearable.
John’s life was often difficult, but he had great spirit. He is remembered with much love by his wife, Sheila Firth-Warlund, his daughters Sarah (David) and Katie, and grandchildren, Magali, Leander, and Oli. His sister, Rae Nichols, and parents, Edith and Gustav, predeceased him.
Donations in memory of John may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders or War Amps. A graveside service will be held on Friday March 18th, 2022 at 11 a.m. from Woodlawn Cemetery, Little Harbor. Arrangements have been entrusted to H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Homes, Yarmouth, where you can sign the online guestbook by visiting www.huskilson.net.
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March 14 1934 March 16 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Firth-Warlund March 14 1934 March 16 2022..
H.M.Huskilson funeral homes and crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Shelburne, Province: Nova Scotia