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Steve Burgess
14 years ago

I just found this memorial online and would like to add a story: I transferred to Tanner's Crossing in Grade Eight, after having had disciplinary problems at my school in Brandon. On my first day at Tanner's Crossing I carried an envelope. It had been given to me by the principal in Brandon, Mr. Henderson, with instructions to pass it on to my new principal. I sat down in Mr. Monteith's office while he read the contents. He laughed. “It's a letter from Mr. Henderson,” he said, “telling me that you're trouble and I need to keep you in line.” Mr. Monteith ripped up the letter and tossed it into the garbage. “You're in a new school,” he said. “You'll be judged by what you do here.” I was eating out of his hand the rest of the year. If more teachers and administrators had followed his example the school system would have been immensely better off. He was a wonderful man. My sympathies to your family.

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My dad was always very curious and loved new things. I get that inclination from him. I remember the first day of his new camera - many years ago and each of us taking turns doing portraits of each other. We weren't very good but it was a fun little project nonetheless. It was a little weird having my dad as my Principal but he was so darn good at it that it really never was a problem. Thanks to everyone for their memory contributions!

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Michelle Jasper
14 years ago

My Sincere Sympathy goes out to the Monteith Family. My brother Ted Kowal advised of John's passing today and I was touched by the fact he is in touch with high school classmates. I remember Mr. Montheith being a very stong, fair yet firm principal who always took time to share thoughts and concerns with all students. Not to mention, he was the best looking person in authority in our school during my time as a student! Barb, I remember you as a sincere, pretty and intelligent student ahead of me whom I often admired in school. I graduated in 1981 and have been living in Richmond, BC for the past 15 years. Would love to connect at some point. Sincerely, Michelle

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Barb Radford Monteith
14 years ago

Thanks so much Michelle. We should connect one of these days. I am in the phone book. I think Ted has my email still from our last reunion. We had a lovely drive back to Winnipeg after the event. My dad was a really good looking man and a great guy - still had all his hair right to the end. Call me up sometime. Like to go to Steveston to the Buck from time to time,

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I was on the staff of Rivers Collegiate with John from 1966 to 1969. John was a little older than most of us novice teachers. I remember his sitting in the staff room lost in thought, somewhat remote and reserved. I also remember his being a gentleman with beautiful manners. As a kid growing up near Virden I remember his father. His father drove a beautiful white Thurnderbird which would glide slowly through the streets. My sympathies to you all. I am sorry you lost your parents at such an early age.

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Hugs and love to you John Barb and all your families near and far, We wish we could be with you today, but there is always a reason..time gives the answers. We have talked a lot about the times Lew and John had, mostly when they were all grown up as they were 9 yeas apart and on different wave lengths when younger. But lots of great memories. So instead will say how wonder ful his soul is free to soar. His unknowable essence that Soul, is now so connected to that other unseeable essence....God. When his soul soared out of this transient heap of dust and rose up into the world of God, then all the veils will fall away, and verities come to light, and all things unknown before will be made clear, and hidden truths will be understood. The rewards of the other world are peace, the spiritual graces, the various spiritual gifts...too many to list are all in the Kingdom of God, the gaining of the desires of the heart and soul, and the meeting of God in the world of eternity !! How blessed he is ! Consider how a baby, in the world of the womb, was deaf of ear and blind of eye, and mute of tongue; how he was bereft of any perceptions at all. But once, out of the world of darkness, he passed into this world of light, then his eye saw, his ear herd, and his tongue spoke. In same way, once he has hastened away from this mortal place into the Kingdom of God, then he will be born in the spirit; then the eye of his perception will open, the ear of his soul will hearken, and all the truths of which we are ignorant will be made plain and clear. We "die" or "pass" from one world to another....so simple when we look at the wonders we get to learn along life's journey. A mother was terribly distraught over the loss of her child.....beautiful answer she received....we see John's soul in the story instead....enjoy... "Although the loss of a son is indeed heart-breaking and thought to be beyond the limits of human endurance, yet one who knows and understands, is assured that the son has not been lost, but, rather, has only stepped from this world into another, and she will find him in the divine realm.. That beloved child addresses thee from the hidden world: " O thoug kind Mother, thank divine Providence that I have been freed from a small and gloomy cage, and, like the birds of the meadows, have soared to the divine world...a world which is spacious, illumined, and ever gay and jubilant....I have shaken off the mortal form and rave raised my banner in this spiritual world. Following this separation is everlasting companionship. Thou shall find me in the heaven of the Lord, immersed in an ocen of light." John's hysical body was the throne or temple wherein his soul once dwelt....how wonderfully free he is. You have both been good, loving children to your parents and also Mike, Marlene, Paul and Jack, so, don't forget them in your Prayers....there is a mingling our souls with those whom we pray for.....as they can assist us from that divine realm and our prayers will assist them as well. Always remember the "iinvisibel essence " we share with them is within us forever." Hugs, God Bless and love, Lewis and Loa Brian, Cheri, Carter, Davis, Spencer and Cooper McMaster Howard, Francine, Rachel and Aidan Monteith

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Lisa Narynski
14 years ago

To John, Barb and all your families, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, John. ( and also my condolences on the passing of your mother ) I remember sitting in their kitchen in the house in East St. Paul. He had the most amazing stories and could always make me laugh! Your Dad will always be remembered for all the incredible things that he did for children, and of course all of the wonderful things he did to make the world a better place for everyone! His love of life, passion and zeal as well as his beautiful spirit was absolutely contagious! Your Dad left an indelible legacy on all of those that met him, more so on those closest to him. I wish you all peace, during this difficult time as well as laughter and joy celebrating your father's life, which will live on through all of you, his loving family.

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Barb Radford Monteith
14 years ago

Thanks so much Lisa....will get my brother to check out this site and hopefully respond to you as well. So glad you appreciated him as much as we did. Barb

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We loved having Uncle John & Aunt Marlene pop in regularly over the years…breezing in with a quick knock, door opening with a familiar “Hell-OOH!” Rarely did we see one without the other. The house never needed to be company ready and after a cup of coffee and a quick chat to touch base, off they’d go, as suddenly as they’d arrived. They were always a big help, particularly when we brought our first baby home, adoring her as much as we did. Dana was born 3 weeks earlier than expected, so Gary & John spent Christmas Day wallpapering the nursery and Marlene brought a little Xmas tree with lights to the Hospital. On our first day home, John & Marlene were there to take Linda shopping for nursing bras! Countless evenings of wine imbibing were enjoyed over the years, as well. Stays with them in Vernon after they moved to their retirement haven were also much fun. The drive from their house down the windy road from their house to Kelowna was something to remember, with John mastering every curve with Jeff Gordon precision. Linda was quite green from the ride, but an afternoon of wine tours made it all worthwhile. Mercifully, we’d take the Vernon route home. Bless their hearts…we miss both of them dearly.

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stugib
14 years ago

Barb/John Dianne and I were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He was a good man and I will always remember him as a pillar of strength. I look back fondly on the memories of our childhood when our two families would get together for a visit. Please remember the good times in your time of mourning. Stuart & Dianne Gibson

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Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. We will always remember fondly our visits with John, Marlene and family at various times after they moved to the Okanagan Valley. They often stopped in during their southern wine tours and were great visitors. Jeff particularly enjoyed his many phone conversations with Uncle John and Aunt Marlene. They will both be missed. Love from Glenn, Connie and Jeff ......Brad, Brigitte, Alice and Ella.

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To Barb and John and Families, Many fond memories of your Dad and Family from the good old days of Tanner's Crossing School. The picture is exactly how I remember your Dad. I'm pretty sure your dad wasn;t laughing the day John swung the milk carton over his head and broke the light in the kitchen of your new house in Minnedosa.

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Barb Radford Monteith
14 years ago

So nice to hear from you and thanks so much for the memory you shared. I hope you are well.

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Barb, I also can relate to how you are feeling as my Dad passed away on Jan 1 2009. My Dad like your Dad was not " living his best life" and passed away peacefully and on his own terms. Dad's have a way of taking are of things. We are missing Dad but enjoying the memories of many good years and a life well lived. We must enjoy everyday.

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Barb Radford Monteith
14 years ago

So sorry to hear that, but understand how it helps to know that it was his time and that he 'just took care of things'. Your dad was always so strong - and look - right til the end. We should talk some time. I will probably drive out to Wpg this summer which means Minnedosa is en route. I am in the phone book....

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> On Apr 2, 2009, Michael Radford <artboy16@telus.net> wrote: > My best memories of John were at Okanagan Lake, B.C. taking his new > boat out for a cruise on the lake, heading into Vernon or Kelowna to > shop, or relaxing in the hot tub, his cat "Bub" by his side. Simple > things, maybe, but he was always such good company, always in good > humour, always ready to lend a hand... A friend as much as a Father- > in-law. A real gentleman, and I will miss him.

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