Wittenberg, John Philip , of Vulcan, beloved husband of Sher, passed away suddenly at home on May 15, 2016 at the age of 61 years.
John was born in Vancouver then moved to Summerland, BC in his teens and then on to Calgary where he began his career with ATCO Gas. He resided in Calgary until he transferred to Vulcan in 2006. John retired from ATCO in 2012, after 34 years of dedicated service.
Some of John’s numerous interests included scuba diving, darts, pool, stained glass, and cooking; but his biggest love was his garden, both vegetables and flowers. His other great love was his Siamese cats which he pampered regularly.
“Big John” was known to his friends and co-workers as the gentle giant, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever he could. You just had to watch him at the Vulcan Legion, making popcorn and assisting with the meat draws over the past few years, as well as pretty much anything else asked of him.
Besides his loving wife Sher, John is survived by his brother Paul (Dawn), sister Lois (Jim), brothers-in-law Gerry and Peter, sisters-in-law Cindy and Marlene, nephews Ryan (Katherine), Mark (Jalyn), Tyler, and Michael and nieces Carly (J.S.), Michele, and Ashley, along with 4 great nephews and 5 great nieces.
John was predeceased by his parents Dave and Edna Wittenberg of Summerland BC.
A Celebration of Life is being held May 25, 2016 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Vulcan Legion hall for a sharing of stories and laughter.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
No one can prepare you for a loss like this, Sher; it comes like a swift wind. May your many memories bring you comfort during this difficult in your life. Look back on all the good times you shared and smile at the fact that you had so many wonderful years together. Our regret is that we did not see much of John over the recent years but we have many memories of times past that we will cherish. John, the “gentle Giant, the chef, the gardener, the loving husband, brother, uncle and sincere friend, gone but never forgotten…we will remember him. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sorry to hear of Johns passing Sher. We met John 40 years ago and enjoyed all our many times together. Many great memories that I will always cherish.
Sher, my deepest sympathy. I was very lucky to have met and worked with John, he had a very kind soul and will be truly missed by those who met him.
Sher. We are thinking of you in these hard times, we are gonna miss the laughs and all the great times we have shared with Big John and you.
Condolences from Denmark.
We are so saddened that our Big John Wookie has passed on, knowing him over 30 years we have such good memories. He was so much a part of our lives, firepits late into the night, doing hours of stained glass together, camping, house parties, drinking (Lemon Hart), baking cheesecakes and that turkey with 1lb of butter in the dressing, searching for missing cats. We didn’t see him as much as we wanted after he moved to Vulcan, but he was always on our minds, along with lovely Sher. We’ll miss you John. xoxoxo
Sher,
Our deepest sympathy. John was truly a Gentle Giant and a great guy, always welcomed company and loved socializing with friends. He will be missed by many.
I’m so saddened to hear of uncle Johns passing, he was so kind! My heart goes out to you Aunt Sher.
Love, Jen
To my Uncle John , we didn’t get together as often as we wanted over the years but I always felt you cared and wanted to be involved in my and our lives and it showed by the jokes you made about my multiple trips down the isle and my 12 kids ok only six you would say after and ask who’s the tall one again. We will miss the apple crisp and your company. I will say once again uncle ,sorry for that flat tire that day, you know when that was and I’m glad you got to know me and my family over the last years well enough to be loved by all my children and now wife Katherine. Take care and keep the garden ready upstairs for me. Love Ryan Wittenberg
John, thanks for being a great work companion for many years at Atco and also for being a really good friend. I’m sure gonna miss you. Until we meet again. Our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to Sher and your whole family.
John gave us so many laughs, wonderful memories and great food, he will always be with us.
We will miss John”s smile, wonderful laugh and sense of humour. We were blessed with the friendship he showed us over the years.
We will miss you.
Sher – you are in our thoughts and prayers. John was such a wonderful person – such a kind heart and always took t he time to chat. We will miss him – Connie Knight & the rest of the Doctors and staff at Vulcan Eyes 360
Sending love and strength to you, Aunt Sherilyn, during this difficult time.
I worked with John. He was a great person. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to you Sherilyn, we will miss Big John, his wonderful sense of humour and his kind heart.
I worked with John for a very brief time but I soon learned that he was a “Gentle Giant”! He will be missed by many and I’m so very sorry for your loss Sher……….
Jan Loree Hurl
John had a big heart and he will be sadly missed by his friends. Thinking of you Sherilyn.
We only knew John for a short time, he will be missed through his kindness and outgoing friendship. Our thoughts and prays are with Sherilyn for your sudden loss.