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.
I have linked to John’s history here.
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.
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.