December 30, 1924 – Ayr, Scotland June 24, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta
In June, we lost John Vallance. I want to leave a brief account of his life, here, because John became a true friend to so many during his time in Calgary. It was a blessing to share in the celebration of his life, along with daughter, Billie, friends of the British Home Child Descendants group that loved John so much and the generous folks of Trinity Lodge.
John and I both ordered a big plate of beautiful liver and onions the day that I met him in Didsbury, Alberta. There, along with Bruce, many stories and much laughter were shared. I knew we would be good friends. John was still living in his own house at this time and sure wasn’t crazy about moving into Trinity Lodge. He was, all his life, a strong and independent man. It was going to be a transition.
It was at this first meeting that I had the chance to share my own family history with John, the story of my Great Grandfather John Moors.
What an amazing human being with such a phenomenal history. John’s friends and family shared amazing recollections of John as a young man, a father, a husband and a child growing up, separated from his family of origin through devastating circumstances. John’s resilience and willingness to educate others was huge.
I’d like to give a special thank you to Hazel who has been a diligent worker for descendants of British Home Children here in Alberta, for without her efforts, I may have never met John. Thank you, Hazel, not only for the beautiful quilt, but for your thoughtful initiatives in caring for our John. He will be missed.
Claresholm, Alberta Heritage Days event.
John may you rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you. To Billie and all family and friends, may you find strength for the coming days…
A Scottish piper accompanied the family. Beautiful words were shared by John’s daughter and his grand son. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
2 thoughts on “John Frederick Vallance: Farewell, Friend”
The tears are rolling down my cheeks…..I miss my Papa so very much. I just got a new iPad and found this article.Thank you so very much for your kind words for my papa. Yes he was indeed a very special man.. I am currently in Mexico close to Puerto Vallarta and he is with me here always in my heart. December 30 he was 95…..I find solace Papa and Mom and my two wee boys finally spent Christmas together all in Heaven…..sorrow is not forever. Love is💕 much love peace and happiness for 2020.. .and there are no words for Hazel she is brilliant!,,, Billie Mennie
Dearest Billy, I am sad to tell you that I know exactly how you feel. I lost my beautiful mother on May 31, 2013 and my brother on April 21, 2019. When you lose someone who is that close to you, it feels so unbelievably empty. Grief really sucks! John was a rock star! His light will remain with us. Sending all my love. And, you deserve that iPad!! Hugs. Kath
The tears are rolling down my cheeks…..I miss my Papa so very much. I just got a new iPad and found this article.Thank you so very much for your kind words for my papa. Yes he was indeed a very special man.. I am currently in Mexico close to Puerto Vallarta and he is with me here always in my heart. December 30 he was 95…..I find solace Papa and Mom and my two wee boys finally spent Christmas together all in Heaven…..sorrow is not forever. Love is💕 much love peace and happiness for 2020.. .and there are no words for Hazel she is brilliant!,,, Billie Mennie
Dearest Billy, I am sad to tell you that I know exactly how you feel. I lost my beautiful mother on May 31, 2013 and my brother on April 21, 2019. When you lose someone who is that close to you, it feels so unbelievably empty. Grief really sucks! John was a rock star! His light will remain with us. Sending all my love. And, you deserve that iPad!! Hugs. Kath