Obituary of John Philip Hornsberger

JOHN PHILIP HORNSBERGER June 23, 1918 – March 30, 2014 Our dear Dad made his final life transition on Sunday, March 30, 2014. His departure is felt deeply by his wife Elsie, who he spent 76 years with as his life partner; sons, Bob (Pat) and Barry (Wilma); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Joe (1961) and Lena (1989); older brother Joe (1976); sister Madge (2001); and younger sister Elsie (1985). Dad was the last of his family to go home. We are sure they are celebrating his arrival! Probably he and his brother Joe are having a round of golf on one of heaven’s manicured courses. Dad came from very humble beginnings. His family struggled to make a living as first generation Canadians in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Poverty was always at their doorstep. But, from those humble beginnings Dad learned the value of a hard work ethic, a commitment to relationships and to core values and principles. This resulted in him taking up the printing trade at age 16 in 1934 that lasted for 47 years. He moved up the chain of command from novice tradesman to foreman eventually business owner and partner of Printcraft Ltd. – The Home of Good Impressions. The business ran successfully for 18 years until Dad and Mom retired to Victoria in 1972. But Dad couldn’t stay retired long and was asked to join another printing company which he did so until he finally retired in 1981. Dad was a quiet man of faith. He believed in treating people with respect. He modeled commitment to the institution of marriage and to his wife; he taught us the value of a dollar “Remember son take care of the dimes and nickels and the dollars will take care of themselves”; he modeled the value of a good days work “Remember son a job worth doing is a job worth doing well”; he taught us the value of making a good first impression “Son, a first impression can go a long way in determining your success”; he taught us the importance of honoring other people’s time “Son, be on time all the time except when ahead of time that’s a better time”; he taught us the importance that song can play in enjoying life and the company of others “There is nothing son, like a good sing a long”; and he taught us the importance of personal and professional responsibility “Son, take ownership of your decisions and choices, no one else can”. Dad was all about family. He loved his wife deeply and took pride in the accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. Dad was a good provider as we were wanting for nothing as we grew up. He wanted us to have more than what he struggled for when he grew up but always tempered that with “You value something more if you have to work for it.” Our Dad was a small man with a big heart. We will be forever grateful for his guidance and love. We will miss you “Pop”. Until we meet again, travel easy! A Service of Remembrance will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Private family interment to take place in Riverside Memorial Park at a later date. If you wish to make a donation simply do a random act of kindness to your fellowman, for that is what Dad would do.