John Marshall Roebuck, beloved husband of Betty of 61 years of Champion, Alberta passed away January 14, 2006 at Vulcan Community Health Center after a brief illness at the age of 89 years.
John was born April 27, 1916 on the homestead five minutes north of Champion to Theodore and Sarah Roebuck. He lived his entire life in this area. Farming was his way of life and at the age of 9 John was plowing fields with a team of four horses and up until last year he was involved in harvest every season by operating the combine. In the early 30’s John began a trucking business, Roebuck’s Transfer, until 1956. During this time he farmed, raised cattle and kept busy helping neighbors by being their local veterinarian. In 1944 John married Betty Geschwendt of Champion. They raised three children; Lorraine, Jack and Cheryl.
John was a long time member of the Vulcan Lions Club and took great pride in helping distribute the Lions Birthday Calendars. While the family was growing up, he spent hours at the Kirkcaldy General Store playing cards. In later years John visited the Royal Canadian Legion almost daily to play cards and pull tickets.
John is survived by his loving wife Betty, two daughters Lorraine Gair of Red Deer, Cheryl (Murray) Smythe of Lacombe, a son Jack (Laura) of Champion, a special son Tim (Linda) Woods of Stoney Plain, five grandchildren Lorne Gair of Red Deer, Randy (Lori) Gair of Vulcan, Angie (Jackson) Meadows of Lethbridge, Tina (Warren) Elmer of Vancouver and Corrine (Todd) Lybbert of Claresholm, four great grandchildren Hayden Meadows, Ryan and Melissa Elmer and Samantha Lybbert, numerous nieces and nephews and his favorite cat Milo who shared many hours with him.
John was predeceased by his father Theodore in 1961, his mother Sarah in 1972 and his brother Bill in 1978.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday January 19, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Vulcan Royal Canadian Legion Hall with Rev. Doug Barrie officiating.
Inurnment Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in John’s memory can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #21, Box 175, Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.