Obituary of John Judge Dermody

JOHN JUDGE DERMODY 1912 - 2012 John passed away December 13, 2012 with his devoted daughter, Cath, by his side. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Vera (Hanson); his son Jim; his parents Mally and Catherine (Judge) Dermody, pioneers of the Kennedy District; by his parents-in-law Ellert and Rosa (Hesla) Hanson of the Lajord District; and by his siblings, Charlotte, Mary (Bill) Iverach, Ethel, George, Howard (Lou Ranger), Rose (Don) MacKay, Robert and William. John is survived by his daughter, Cath Dermody of Regina; by sisters-in-law Margaret Dermody of Windthorst, Myrtle Eaton of Wisconsin and Violet Benz of BC; as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and good friends. John was born June 4, 1912 and moved with his parents from Whitewood to Kennedy in 1914. He graduated from Grade XII into the Great Depression. He worked at a number of jobs throughout the district, and in 1940 signed up with the South Saskatchewan Regiment in Weyburn. He was wounded during the Dieppe Raid, returned to his regiment and was eventually invalided home in 1944. He married Vera Hanson who was the Municipal Secretary at Kipling. They moved to Smiley in 1952 and to Milestone in 1959 where John was the Secretary-Treasurer of the R. M. of Caledonia #99 and also the Town Administrator for a ten-year period. John and Vera worked together, and retired in 1977 taking up residence at their cottage at Kenosee and later in Regina. A number of enjoyable winters were spent in Vancouver, Texas and London, England. Dad recognized the importance of supporting his community and contributed freely of his time and talents to community projects wherever he lived. Even in his retirement years he continued to be involved in organizing and building a log Senior Citizen Drop-in-Centre in Kenosee Lake Village. He was a good friend and neighbour and helped many with his extensive skills and his sage advice. John was a kind and considerate man, a man of grace and quiet resolve. A veteran of WWII, John was also strong of character and a man of principle. He will be remembered for his charm and gentle wit, his infinite patience and generous spirit. He was dearly loved and respected by all who knew him. At Dads request, a Graveside Service will be held at Riverside Memorial Park Chapel, 815 Assiniboine Avenue East, Regina, SK on Wednesday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. with Major Len Millar (Salvation Army) officiating. Reception to follow at Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK. Given Dads high regard for the work of the Salvation Army beginning during the war years, donations in memory of John may be made to the Salvation Army Division Headquarters, 2240 13th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3M7. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com