Wall - It is with great sadness that the family of John Vern Wall announces his sudden passing on April 22, 2010. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years Gay, three
children; Jason Wall (Rachelle), Laurie Wall (Mark Clingen) and Jeff Wall (Lisa), eight grandchildren; Morgan, Parker, Jackson, and Katana Wall, Hayden Clingen, Kerri, Dakota and Katie Wall. He is also survived by his brothers Vic, Les (Donna), Ralph (Elaine), his sister Leona, and a sister-in-law Ardis. John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom brought great joy to his life. John was predeceased by their infant son Raymond Donald; parents Peter J. & Sara Wall (Peters); his parents-in-law Alfred & Sina Hovdestad; brothers David Wall (Betty), Alvin Wall and sisters-in-law Iris Wall and JoAnn Wall. John was born in Swift Current SK on March 13, 1938. He attended various elementary schools and high school at the Swift Current Collegiate Institute. He completed his Teacher's Certificate at the Normal School in Moose Jaw. At the fresh young age of 19, John taught his first classes at the one room, five grade Queens County School. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan in 1968. He returned to begin a long career as an educator in Swift Current. His longest tenure was spent at W.A. Beatty Junior High School in Swift Current where he spent 19 years as a teacher and administrator, touching the lives of many students. He retired from the teaching profession in 1988. Following a brief retirement, John became very active in the New Democratic Party in Swift Current. He was honoured to be elected MLA for his home constituency in 1995, proudly serving until 1999. During this term he underwent major bypass surgery. Upon his retirement from politics, John continued giving back to his community by participating in various service clubs and activities throughout Swift Current as both a leader and a volunteer. John was an active member in a number of service groups such as the Kinsmen and K-40 clubs and most recently with the Prairie Pioneers Kiwanis club, where he was an avid recruiter. John was also very involved
with the Swift Current Duplicate Bridge Club, Good Sams RVers, the
Elmwood Golf club, the First United Church, and the Swift Current "Meals on Wheels" program. John was also involved with the Western Savings Credit Union and served several years on the Board of Directors. John was known for his strong leadership traits as well as his commitment towards his fellow man. Those that enjoyed John's company will remember him as a kind, generous man, dedicated to his special causes. He was a man who would give of his time as freely as his smile. He will be missed in many different ways.
Funeral services were held on April 26, 2010 at First United Church with the Reverend Kevin Johnston officiating. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Roberts, Spencer Wooff, Doug Lamb, Harvey Krein, Gunter Weiner and Cornie Unger. Active Pallbearers were Morgan Wall, Mark Clingen, Leander Wall, Tom Wall, Dale Hovdestad, and Dennis King. Ushers were Glen and Sharon Reimer and Ray and Linda Hanlon. John has been laid to rest at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Warren' s Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our web site at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences. John was a believer in the community and giving back to it. This tradition continues and the family has requested donations be made to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation in John's honor.