GRINDE
October 24, 1950 ~ September 22, 2012
John Andrew Grinde of Bluffton, Alberta passed away peacefully at his home with some of his family by his side on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the age of 61 years.
John A. Grinde. There were many sides to this wonderful man, and we probably all knew different ones: family man, friend, farmer, veterinarian, paddler, outdoorsman, businessman, troublemaker. An incredibly hard-working, dedicated sort who had passions and interests too numerous to list. A Rimbey local his whole life, John loved his farm, his family, and his community. Like any farmer, he was tough, chose never to complain but make the best of his circumstances. Mistakes became learning opportunities, experience led to growth. He found joy each and every day in simple pleasures: early mornings, freshly baked bread, teasing his family, sharing a fine scotch with good friends. He lived with a curiosity not unlike a child's, an insatiable appetite for learning and discovery. Perhaps this is why kids always took to him, a reason why he and his first grandson were so close. John spent endless hours reading non-fiction; eclectic subscriptions were scattered amongst stacks of books about Native American history, early western explorers' travels, globalization, economics, agriculture and the evolution of science. These diverse interests were reflected in the wide range of people who enjoyed his mentorship and friendship. John himself explored many a place, both close to home (in a canoe or via Shank's pony) and further abroad (following his roots to Norway, adventuring on the East Coast). In the last four years he fought cancer, but found acceptance as well. Rather than seeing disability, John looked at what could still be done and kept himself busy and active. He lived with grace and died where he had always wanted to - in his own bed. A fair and generous spirit, an old coyote that will never be forgotten.
John will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Ginny; two sons, Assar Grinde and Aidan Grinde, both of Bluffton; and two daughters, Mabyn (Brad) Lockhart of Viking, Alberta and their two sons, Torrin and Corbin; and Heather Grinde of Calgary. He will also be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by four brothers, Bob (Audrey) Grinde of Rimbey; Harold (Laura) Grinde of Rimbey; Adam (Kay) Grinde of Teslin, Yukon; and Nels Grinde (Laura Clark), also of Rimbey; and two sisters, Joan (Keith) Neilson of Kingston, Ontario; and Anne (Harvey) Jessup of Whitehorse, Yukon; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Grinde.
A Public Memorial Service in Celebration of John's Life was held at the Rimbey Community Centre, Rimbey on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Deborah Laing officiating. Cremation took place at the Central Alberta Crematorium, Red Deer. If friend's desire, memorial tributes in John's Memory may be made directly to the charity of one's choice.
Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by e-mail to:
special_reflections@telusplanet.net
Funeral and Cremation Arrangements for the Late John Andrew Grinde
entrusted to the care of
OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS
Rimbey 403-843-4445