John Eric Sansome of Champion, beloved husband of Liz, passed away suddenly at home on March 8th, 2021, at the age of 75 years.
Born and raised on a farm on the Coalmine Road, John lived his entire life in the Vulcan / Champion area. After moving with his family from the farm into Vulcan, he married Liz in 1973 and moved into Champion. There he raised his own family, his daughter Cheryl and two sons, Richard (Lori) and Dean.
His love of hunting and fishing was well known throughout the area. His trips out to Keho and Badger lakes were among his favorites, with ice fishing being a staple during the winter months, keeping the freezer stocked with deer meat and pike, particularly thrilled when he was able to fish with his grandchildren.
After retiring, he turned his hand towards making jerky, happily handing out bags wherever he went, and woodworking. If you ever see a man in a hat, holding a pair of binoculars, peering over the fence, it was probably made by John, making sure that everyone got a pen and a business card. Spending hours of the day out in the garage, Liz happily gave up her indoor parking so that John could continue his craft right up until his passing.
Besides Liz and his children, John is survived by his grandchildren, Dylan, Jonathan, Michael and Adrianna, his brothers Bob, Jerry and Paul and his sisters, Sheila, Ruth and Barbara.
John was predeceased by his parents, Reg and Ethel Sansome, and his brother Russell.
A Family Graveside memorial service will held at the Champion Cemetery, Pastor David Skinner officiating.
Tributes in John’s memory can be made online to the Champion Pioneer Club:
www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/champion-pioneer-club or by mail: Champion Pioneer Club, Box 88, Champion, AB, T0L 0R0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Warmest wishes and comfort to you and your family, Liz–from the Lamberts
My deepest condolences in your loss. I will keep you in my prayers and pray that you will feel God‘s comforting arms around you as you move forward one day at a time. Warmest regards. Rickie Van Dyke
Liz and family:
So very sorry. Thinking of you and wishing you strength. Take care.
Wendy Johnson
Liz, Richard/Lori, Dean, and Cheryl our families deepest sympathy on Johns passing and I can say undaunted he loved you all over the years as you all grew. There are many great things one could say about John and his journey in life and none of them are bad. He was a great neighbor to us for 36 years and an even better friend. I remember the day we meet down on main street and he reach out his bear size hand and said ” Hi I John ” as he shook my hand and he was the first (all three times) to sign my papers to be on council. And he was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back even if that meant he would not have one. His talents in building items from wishing wells, to plant shelves to garden items to folding stools were unstoppable never mind if you just needed something built. And his fishing and hunting tales were great but the rewards of labor were even tastier indeed. Even when he would see you on the way home it was always a wave and a honk of the horn.
May God Protect my friend and watch upon your family over the years. Terry and Betty Penney
Hard to replace a loving, funny, outgoing uncle. He was a big part of my younger life from fishing and hunting and losing teeth and shot pellets in Marks neck we never new what was coming at us next . It was funny watching our uncle run to our rescue in the water and john not being able to swim. Another funny memory was when john was sleeping we got to witness Paul putting tabasco sauce in his mouth as he snored. well Paul surely knew how to wake his brother up like a bear. We always looked forward to our outings with our uncles . We were blessed to have him in our life and will be greatly missed. Liz and family l send my condolences , love , hugs, tears and laughs.
Our deepest sympathy to you and you family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Liz and family, Sorry to hear of the loss of John. He had quite the sense of humour! My deepest condolences to all of you during this time of loss.
My Deepest Condolences to Liz and the family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I so wish I would have seen him lately, we all get too busy in our lives and forget the ones who have given us so much.
I remember my Uncle all too well; whether it was cruising in his Dodge Challenger, playing Crib, working on cars, shooting gophers, or us just bugging John (believe me he got his licks in too). He was all too kind to his nephews! Some of my most cherished memories were fishing at Chain Lakes, Jim Creek and camping . We always had fresh fish to fry up in butter everyday.
To this day I talk about the times I spent with John, Paul and Grampa fishing. We fished everywhere; Lake McGregor, Travers Dam and in the Mountains. I guess that’s why I have a love of the Mountains.
Thankyou for all the wonderful memories Uncle John – I will think of you often, especially whenever I have an opportunity to go fishing. You have left a positive impact on my life and I am grateful for you sharing your time with me.
We Pray for Gods Precious Peace and Comfort throughout the days ahead and during this time of loss and intense sorrow.
I’ll be thinking of you when I cast while fishing this year!
So sad to hear of John’s passing. We will miss his honk and wave as he went past us each time. We have one of his men peaking over our fence to remind us of him.
Mark and Alanna Christie.
Liz … my sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family on your loss!
Marvin Maronda
Liz & family our deepest sympathy & condolences. We have a man made by John with a
pair of binoculars living in Ontario it has become a big hit with all the people passing our
house.
Bob & Shirley Cronin
Thinking of Liz and the family. John was a great friend. He always had bags of Jerky at Saturday morning coffee at The Pioneer Club. I have a wooden heart necklace he made. I will treasure the wooden dog birdhouse made by him and Liz painted. He will certainly be missed.
Stan and Joan
Condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you all our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat and I are very sorry for your loss. I (Ray) have known John for many many years. John, Russel, Paul and I hung around quite a bit when we were younger and I will surely miss him. We used to hang out and play pool at the old pool hall on main street. He made me quite a few fence toppers (man with hat and binoculars) which I gave to family and friends. He even made me a small cross made out of ironwood once. He was a good friend although I haven’t seen him in a while. I used to see him at Mark Smiths’ shop sometimes and give him boxes of hats for his crafts. He was a good friend and I will miss him.
Liz
My deepest condolences to you and the family. John was an amazing man and he will be missed
Vivian Haynes
Liz and family,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
-Mark, Ashlee, and Tyler Fath
I’m sorry to here about uncle I wish I could.be there as you all where there for me when my dad passed. He will be dearly miss we love him so much .
Liz
Sympathy and Condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Mike & Marcie Davey
So sorry for your loss.
Liz, you and your family have our deepest sympathies on the loss of John.
Dean and Louise Hartung