Obituary of John Campbell Currie

DECEMBER 24, 1935 – MARCH 30, 2017 Cam passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Cam was predeceased by his parents, Lida and John (Jack) Currie. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean; his eight children and sixteen grandchildren: Rob and Ingrid (Carmen/Roger, Anna, Rhys); Laureen and Paul Millette (Sarah/Garrett, Victoria/Travis); Don and Vivian (Blake, Jordyn); Blair and Debra (Kristalee, Katelyn); Beverley and Brian Krett (Jennifer); Gord and Angela (Taylor, Jackson); Tim and Laurine (Campbell, Sally); Carleen and Lance Brown (Grace, Danielle/Raymond); three great-grandchildren, Arlo, Lillie-Anne and Lydia. Also left to mourn are Cam’s sister, Jean Cogger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joe McGinn, Jim and Francis McGinn, Kay Holland as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cam was born at home on Christmas Eve in Rocanville, Saskatchewan where he lived until the family moved to Assiniboia when he was 12. When he left home to make his way in the world he landed in Regina where he worked for MacDonald’s Consolidated and met his sweetheart, Jean McGinn. Cam and Jean were married in 1958 and moved to Estevan where he worked for the CPR. They returned to Regina in 1959 when Cam became Yardmaster at the CPR railyards. He later began working for Prairie Advertising Distributors and eventually bought the company, which he owned until he retired. After retirement, Cam began working with his sons in their business ventures. When they became empty nesters, Cam and Jean moved to Regina Beach where they enjoyed many years of the small-town life with family and friends. And in recent years they shared a wonderful time of fellowship with their many friends and acquaintances at Lakewood Manor in Regina. Between 1959 and 1971 Cam and Jean’s family grew to eight children. Although they may have been the cause of more than a few of his grey hairs, his children were his pride and joy. Along with their respective families, they loved and respected him and did their best to make him proud. Cam enjoyed gatherings that included his large extended family and was thrilled when the house was overflowing with people with whom he could share his good fortune and cheer. Cam loved to socialize and he combined this with his love of sports. At various times during his life he played hockey and baseball. He also curled, snowmobiled and became a formidable golfer. He not only played sports but also volunteered his time to help organize various sporting events which included the Silver Broom in Regina. He was a co-founder and executive member of the Coors Un-Classic Golf Tournament at Regina Beach for 30 years of which the last year he was proudly part of the championship team. He made so many friends over the years through his work and play and enjoyed the kibitzing that went along with those friendships. He had a generous spirit, a zest for life and a booming laugh. We will miss him very much but know those in heaven reuniting with him are doing so with open arms and looking forward to the fun he will bring. Jean and family appreciate and would like to thank all the health providers who took care of him with their skilled hands and gentle kindness when he was in the hospital and in hospice. Funeral Mass for Cam will take place at St. Martin de Porres R. C. Church, 4720 Castle Road, Regina, SK. on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Archbishop Emeritus James Weisgerber, Fr. Ken Koep and Fr. Peter Pham presiding. In lieu of flowers, please remember Cam through a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Salvation Army, 2240 13th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3M7, who he supported by ringing the bells at Christmas and who supported him and his family in his final days at Wascana Grace Hospice at the William Booth Centre.