Pavilion of Scotland - Manitoba

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John Blues - August 10, 2014

JohnBlues.jpg Robert McLeod - June 9, 2014ThumbnailsArt Knight - July 2, 2014

JOHN BLUES Peacefully, on August 10, 2014, John "Wee Johnny" Blues, passed away at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 94. Johnny was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Ethel Blues. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Ethel, his only child, daughter Wendy (Colin), and was Grandad to grandchildren John, Zachary and Tia Nicolson. He is also survived by his brother, George Blues, sister, Ethel Paton, many nieces and nephews, as well as sister-in-law May Murray, all in Scotland. Johnny was born on May 15, 1920 in Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. He was fiercely proud of his Scottish heritage and his service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War aboard the HMS Eclipse and the HMS Whadden. Johnny married the love of his life on March 18, 1948. In 1953 Johnny and Ethel decided to immigrate to Canada, choosing Winnipeg by randomly sticking a pin in a map and they were always happy with their "choice". He spent most of his working life in Canada with Canadian Pacific Railway as a Carman at the Weston Shops, retiring in 1985 after a 32 year career. Johnny liked to stay active. He was an avid golfer and passed his love of the game to Wendy, John and most recently Tia. He curled with the Sons of Scotland curling league and also at the Ft. Rouge Curling Club. He had many a fish tale from the Whiteshell, where he faithfully showed up for opening day for many years. Following a heart attack in 1985, Johnny became a longtime member of the Reh-Fit Centre and enjoyed exercising and also the camaraderie of the fellows at the "Round Table". Johnny and Ethel enjoyed many years of camping in the trailer at Lake Seven, and also loved to travel in the winter to such places as Hawaii, California, Arizona, Florida, Texas and other trips to Greece, Austria, Italy and upon retirement, his only trip back to his native Scotland. Johnny was very active in the Scottish community, spending many hours chauffeuring Wendy to many a Highland Dancing lesson or competition and watching her play with the Heather Belle Ladies Pipe Band. He spent many hours volunteering with Folklorama at the Scottish Pavilion. His carved Scottish Pavilion sign and iconic life-size highland dancer painting are still in use to this day. Johnny's artistic and woodworking talents were second to none. He was a member of the Adanac Carvers Association and his carvings, paintings, drawings and sculptures brighten the homes of many family members and friends. His grandson Zachary was fortunate to inherit his artistic talents. A celebration of Johnny's life will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in the common room of Niakwa Towers, 115 Niakwa Road from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reh-Fit Centre, 1390 Taylor Avenue. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

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