JOHN FRANCIS LOWE

On the morning March 22, 2011, God called the name of John Francis Lowe and he peacefully left this world to live in his Eternal Home.
John was born Nov. 2, 1926.
John’s wife, Lorraine (Clink), predeceased him in 1999.
He leaves behind his daughter, Lynda (Merv Ahrens) and grandsons, Scott (Kelly) and Sean (Emily); daughter, Heather and grandsons, Matthew and Ethan; plus four great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Lucas, Elly, and Laura.
John is survived by his sister, Edna Sokoliuk and her children, Lorraine Brown and Brent (Nina) Sokoliuk and children, Jordan and Rebecca; as well as his brother, Ray, and family in England.
His extended family includes brothers-in-law, Bill (Emily), Don (Jeannie), and Dave (Pat) Clink; sister-in-law, Joyce (Norman) Barron; plus many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Joyce Ford, Jean Schapansky, Doreen Zwarych, and Zena Stilling.
John’s faith in God was the guiding principle in his life. He loved to share his staunch belief in Jesus Christ, and he led a life of obedience and faith, trusting implicitly in God’s grace. This was reflected by the way he treated others and his cheerful greetings.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and a playful manner that made those who knew him love him.
John was born in Birmingham, England and loved his homeland. He treasured his numerous return visits.
When he was 17, he enlisted in the British Navy and spent time in Japan and seeing the world. In 1949, he followed his sister, Edna (a war bride), to Canada and settled in Barwick, Ont., where he met his “Angelface,” Lorraine.
After they were married, they moved to Winnipeg, Man., where John attended Winnipeg Bible College. He began his working career with the CNR and in 1952, he transferred to Fort Frances, Ont. and worked for 13 more years with the CN until the railroad cut jobs in Fort Frances.
He immediately was hired by the Board of Education, where he spent the rest of his working career in various positions.
He was a proud member of the local CUPE union, where he served in many positions, including president.
John was known for his great love for his wife, Lorraine. When she was 32 years old, she was struck with Parkinson’s disease and his life was centered on making sure she was well cared for. They spent many happy summers at their cottage on Reef Point Road. His devotion was amazing and selfless.
John also was an avid gardener and his “hedges” were admired by all in the neighbourhood.
As grandparents, John and Lorraine excelled at making sure their “boys” had everything they could provide. “Papa” was one of the most loved grandfathers, and his love and pride in his grandsons (and eventually great-grandchildren) will never be forgotten.
Music was John’s other passion, and he could be found singing in his beautiful tenor voice in choirs and churches about town. Many “children” in Fort Frances remember John being their Sunday School teacher and his faith and love of the Lord was an inspiration to them.
John loved to play his euphonium and trumpet, and he enjoyed playing in the Borderland Orchestra. He also served on the Border Concert Committee.
The Salvation Army was dear to John’s heart as that is where, as a youth in England, he learned to play the trumpet.
At the time of his death, John was a member of the Evangelical Fellowship Church, however, he had many cherished friends in many churches and loved attending services.
When John’s health began to fail and it became evident he no longer could manage in his home, he moved to Rainycrest in 2007.
A celebration of John’s life will take place and interment beside his beloved wife, Lorraine, will follow later this spring at the Barwick Cemetery.
“Papa” cared very much for his grandchildren. His youngest great-granddaughter, Laura, recently was born with a CDKL5 mutation, resulting in life-long special needs. Donations in his memory to the International CDKL5 Research Foundation would be appreciated.
The Rainycrest Family Council or the local Fort Frances Community Chest also would welcome your support.
Donations can be made to the above c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
In honour of Dad, please take the time to visit our senior citizens and brighten up their day. Dad would love to know you have done this.
“I have fought the good fight, finished the course, and have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness which the Lord Himself shall give me.”
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com