John Meral Gerald Rea, age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday March 31, 2018 with a scenic view of the Glenmore Reservoir at the Rockyview General Hospital. During his brief, yet brave battle with lung cancer he received superior care by, his family as well as the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Palliative Care Team, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Rockyview General Hospital.
John was born in Pincher Creek, Alberta to Mary and (William) Lewis Rea on November 22, 1944. John grew up on a ranch near Stavley, but after working on his first pipeline his interest in welding grew. He became a certified B-pressure welder, working in many places around the world including Libya, Russia, the Beaufort Sea, and much of Western Canada. He was always a hard worker who took great pride in his work. He was also quick to help out fellow welders when they were in need. He always enjoyed passing on the tricks of the trade to the “Broncs”.
John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Judy Lillian (nee Hockley); his children Mary-Ellen (Pat) Pearce, of Mission, B.C.; Carolyn Rea (Ross) of Calgary, AB; John Dean (Jennifer) Rea, of Cranbrook, B.C; and Kyle (Vanessa) Rea of Chestermere, AB. He will also be fondly remembered by his 12 grandchildren: Angela, Justin, Glenn, Denni (Steve), Jordan, Kaylee-Anne, Shayleigh, Austyn, Ethan, Emma, Ashton, and Hannah as well as four great-Meralgrandchildren. John is also survived by his sister Maxine (Don) Mason, of Granum, AB, and his three sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Funeral Service will be held for John at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Willow Creek Funeral Home (4079-1st Street West, Claresholm). For those wishing to pay their respects, a viewing will take place prior to the service from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. Immediately following the service, the interment will follow at the Stavely I.O.O.F. Cemetery. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow at Putter’s Restaurant at The Bridges of Claresholm Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, please make donations on John’s behalf to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (1331-29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2).
Donations may be made to:
Tom Baker Cancer Centre
1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary AB T2N 4N2
Web: www.albertacancer.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Meral Gerald Rea November 22 1944 March 31 2018 (age 73).source
Death notice for the town of: Claresholm, Province: Alberta