Obituary of John Green

JOHN GREEN - C.M., S.O.M., Q.C. After a short illness and a month after his 91st birthday, John Green, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on January 2, 2007 in Regina. John is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jessie (Kinnon), his devoted daughter Alison Green, his two grandchildren Michael and Christina Macdonald, special niece Dianne Kinnon, brother Tommy Green, sister Audrey Green, brother-in-law John (LaVerne) Kinnon, sisters-in-law Helen Majury and Irene Kinnon and numerous nieces and nephews. John was a wise, witty and gentle man who made a significant contribution to Canada, Saskatchewan and his community. He was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1915 and immigrated to Canada in 1927. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree with High Honours in Economics and Political Science and Bachelor of Laws with Great Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan. He later studied at the University of California (Berkeley) where he received a Master of Laws (LLM). In 1945 he began a career as Legal Advisor with Saskatchewan Government Insurance in Regina. He served as general counsel in the 1960's and in 1973 became General Manager (President), where he remained until retirement in 1981. John achieved an international reputation for his pioneering and innovative work in public auto insurance, setting examples and standards closely followed in other jurisdictions. He continued to advise SGI on major policy issues after his retirement. John provided volunteer leadership to the CNIB and the Lions Club, serving as District Governor in 1972-73. He was a proud member of the Assiniboia Lodge No. 49 and Wa-Wa Shriners, and enjoyed singing with the WaWa Chanters during his retirement years. He was involved in many other community organizations during his life and was an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. John was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1980 and received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1998. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues. A Memorial Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind).