Obituary for John Helgard Werner
WERNER, John Helgard
Passed away peacefully in his sleep December 27 while at Niagara Falls General Hospital at the age of 86, less than a month from his 87th birthday.
Beloved husband of Donna Marie Werner for 62 years, loving father to son, Kevin, daughter, Michele Lanthier and partner John Stones, adoring grandfather to Danielle Lanthier, David Lanthier and partner Ashley Voth.
John was the beloved brother of the late Fred Werner and Henry Werner, and sisters: Christine Caldwell and her late husband John Caldwell, Erna Mewhinney and husband John. He was also devoted uncle to his many nephew and nieces, along with his many cousins.
John, was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on January 20, 1934, moved with his family to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his late parents, Fred and Christine, who emigrated to Canada during the German exodus after the First World War, started a gas station business. Soon after they purchased a farm on Niagara Stone Road that included growing grapes and raising chickens.
John attended St. Catharines Collegiate and was hired by Ferranti-Packard as a draftsman. He later resigned and was hired as a surveyer. After attending night school, John was hired at Anthes Imperial Co. Ltd in the 1950’s, located on Berryman Avenue in St. Catharines, the largest Canadian-owned heating and plumbing manufacturing company at the time. Over the next 40 years he worked at the company as an engineering technician and enjoyed a large and broad circle of friends. He continued to work at the company through the various company transitions including when it was purchased by Amico Industries in 1971 for its brake division. The company was eventually bought by the New York-based International Telephone and Telegraph Co. John retired from his position in the summer of 1995 to spend more time with his family.
John was an active board member of a local credit union, and he along with his wife, Donna, were active in a bowling league for many years. John, along with Donna, attended church at the former Carleton United Church.
John had many interests, including a love of golf, travelling to Myrtle Beach with his family every year, fishing and spending time at the family cottage located at Blackfish Bay near Barry’s Bay, swimming, boating and maintaining the land until the property was sold in 2005.
He was also an enthusiastic singer, who joined the Singing Saints St. Catharines Chapter, a barbershop organization that participated in many concerts, competitions and enjoyed singing at various retirement facilities during the Christmas season. The group also raised funds for various charities.
John also cherished the family pets over the years including Amber, Hennessy and Irish, who he always doting on.
In honouring John’s wishes cremation has taken place to be followed by a private family ceremony. Memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 52 Scott Street West, St. Catharines (between Ontario Street & South Service Road), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
Passed away peacefully in his sleep December 27 while at Niagara Falls General Hospital at the age of 86, less than a month from his 87th birthday.
Beloved husband of Donna Marie Werner for 62 years, loving father to son, Kevin, daughter, Michele Lanthier and partner John Stones, adoring grandfather to Danielle Lanthier, David Lanthier and partner Ashley Voth.
John was the beloved brother of the late Fred Werner and Henry Werner, and sisters: Christine Caldwell and her late husband John Caldwell, Erna Mewhinney and husband John. He was also devoted uncle to his many nephew and nieces, along with his many cousins.
John, was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on January 20, 1934, moved with his family to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his late parents, Fred and Christine, who emigrated to Canada during the German exodus after the First World War, started a gas station business. Soon after they purchased a farm on Niagara Stone Road that included growing grapes and raising chickens.
John attended St. Catharines Collegiate and was hired by Ferranti-Packard as a draftsman. He later resigned and was hired as a surveyer. After attending night school, John was hired at Anthes Imperial Co. Ltd in the 1950’s, located on Berryman Avenue in St. Catharines, the largest Canadian-owned heating and plumbing manufacturing company at the time. Over the next 40 years he worked at the company as an engineering technician and enjoyed a large and broad circle of friends. He continued to work at the company through the various company transitions including when it was purchased by Amico Industries in 1971 for its brake division. The company was eventually bought by the New York-based International Telephone and Telegraph Co. John retired from his position in the summer of 1995 to spend more time with his family.
John was an active board member of a local credit union, and he along with his wife, Donna, were active in a bowling league for many years. John, along with Donna, attended church at the former Carleton United Church.
John had many interests, including a love of golf, travelling to Myrtle Beach with his family every year, fishing and spending time at the family cottage located at Blackfish Bay near Barry’s Bay, swimming, boating and maintaining the land until the property was sold in 2005.
He was also an enthusiastic singer, who joined the Singing Saints St. Catharines Chapter, a barbershop organization that participated in many concerts, competitions and enjoyed singing at various retirement facilities during the Christmas season. The group also raised funds for various charities.
John also cherished the family pets over the years including Amber, Hennessy and Irish, who he always doting on.
In honouring John’s wishes cremation has taken place to be followed by a private family ceremony. Memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 52 Scott Street West, St. Catharines (between Ontario Street & South Service Road), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca