Obituary of John Jacob Moser

MOSER - John Jacob. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of John on May 18, 2006. Predeceased by wife Melvina, son David, and infant daughter, parents Lucas and Elizabeth, brothers Joseph, Lucas, Jacob (Theresa), and Henry; in-laws, Mary (Joseph) Senger, Lawrence (Mary) Fahlman, Joe Bulai, Joseph Fahlman, Albert (Bridget) Fahlman, and Leo (Kathleen) Fahlman. Left to mourn his memory children, John, Nancy (Alex McNiven), daughter-in-law Barbara, Richard (Janice), Melvin (Kelly), Gregory, Jeffrey (Nichole), Mary Ann Moser, and Jane Moser; grandchildren Jonathan (Cathy), Craig, Derek, Shawn (Christina), Jessica, Eric, Jennifer (Brodie), Carolyn (Chris), River, Sinjin; great-grandchildren Madison, Duran, Hamish, Willem, Harrison. Also sadly missed by other family, sister Katherine Fahlman, in-laws Agnes Moser, Susan (Aurele) Jalbert, Margaret Bulai, Anne Moser, and numerous nephews and nieces. John was a husband, veteran, father, church-goer, businessman, and, in his later years, an artist. He married Melvina, the love of his life, in 1942 and spent the next 63 years together. She passed away last October; Dad never accepted her leaving - they are now together again. Father was proud to be a World War II veteran. He served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corp from 1942 to 1945 and saw duty on the European Front. Dad helped Mom raise seven children instilling in us all a love of family, a strong work ethic, and the value of a good education. Father never graduated from high school, having to leave Campion to support his Mother during the depression - he always spoke fondly of his schooldays there and ensured that we all got that opportunity and more. He was proud that all of us have university degrees. He also taught us to have fun; to play sports and games as a means of spending time together, of learning strategy and teamwork, and to show us how to be good winners and better losers. Dad was a church-goer - plain and simple. Aside from his weekly attendance, he served the church in many capacities - usher, pastoral care minister, but he enjoyed being an altar server the most - the duty at early morning mass brought out a child-like enthusiasm in him. Father was involved extensively with the Knights of Columbus as Past Grand Knight of Regina Council 1247 and former District Deputy of District No. 1. John will be remembered for his years in the automotive business. He joined Regina Motor Products after returning from the war and for many years was responsible for the Auto Body Department. In 1969, he and his partner, Ron Singer, formed Professional Auto Body and he grew the business until his retirement in 1989. He was involved in many aspects of the automotive business, served many terms as the President of the Auto Body Association and established training courses at Balfour Collegiate. Where Father really hit his stride was with his painting - it was only in the last 10 years that he became an artist - perhaps it suited his temperament. Self taught, his early efforts were one would charitably say, crude. To his credit, he stuck with it and his forte became birds. He enjoyed the artistic process, but even more he enjoyed sharing his gift; there are original "J.J."s from one end of the country to the other. His crowning achievement was actually selling one of his piecesnot for much money but whoever did buy it - the value just shot up! Finally, whenever Dad would go out and about, he inevitably would meet someone he knew; stop and chat for awhile and then go on his way, only to bump into someone else. He passed through many peoples lives and we hope that you feel as we do, that we are all better off for having known him. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Regina General Hospital MPICU. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, 1701 Cowan Crescent, on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 1:30 p.m., presiding celebrant Father Neil Osiowy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2360 - 2nd Avenue, Regina S4R 1A6. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com