Obituary of John Rasmussen

John Rasmussen August 11, 1924 - January 20, 2010 John died peacefully at the Seven Oaks General Hospital on January 20, 2010 after a full life of 85 years. John is survived by his loving wife Lee of 65 years; children Ron (Enid), Joanne Lee, Edgar, Don (Shelley) and Clayton (Arleen); 11 grandchildren and 12 great grand children; brother Edgar and sister Margaret. John was pre-deceased by his mother, father and brother Carl. The gift of John's life will be held close by his wife and family, and all of those who formed a large circle of friends around them. Those who knew John valued him for many fine qualities centered upon his integrity, honesty and commitment to family. His was a life built upon hard work, no small amount of sacrifice and an unwavering joy in life. John's beginnings were humble, his mother and father having emigrated from Denmark to Canada to start a new life and family on lands that they settled under the Homestead Act near Ross, Manitoba. His early life was not easy, but one in which a contribution to family was not only expected but required. The world of health, happiness and comfort that we have come to enjoy today is based in no small part upon the hardships that men and women like John experienced and overcame in bringing settlement and development to our country. Like so many others of John's generation, he never expressed bitterness or a sense of privation over what was required to make a life here in Canada. That was not who John was. John gave of himself willingly to his wife and family. He gave to his children by way of his own example the ability to work hard balanced with an enjoyment of life. This selflessness was as clearly shown by John in his service to his country during World War II. John served overseas in Europe with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, seeing combat action in Germany and other parts of the European theatre. And again, like most men and women of that generation, John never spoke of service and duty. John gave testimony to them through his own conduct. John's army service did not end with victory in Europe. He did, in fact, return to Canada to begin training for the invasion of Japan. It was only after the conclusion of hostilities with Japan that John was demobilized. John had met and fallen in love with Lee prior to being shipped overseas. Not many of you will have had the opportunity to see the pictures of John and Lee during their "courting days," but they were a striking couple graced by youthful good looks, vitality and promise. John not only worked hard at but took a quiet pride in providing for his wife and family. Lee and the children never suffered from a lack of warmth generated by that spiritual sense of family that John and Lee cultivated. John took great satisfaction in the accomplishment of his children; not so much by what they do or have, but rather with what they enjoy in their own closely knit immediate and extended families. These may be simple measures, but they are measures upon which societies are founded. John's working career as a painter and decorator ended with his retirement from the Health Sciences Centre at age 65. His retirement offered John and Lee more time for themselves and their children and grand children - time to fish, to camp or to play golf. Beyond Lee and his family, John had many passions. John was vested as a life member of the Victoria Curling Club - a reflection not only of his love of the game but of his commitment to grow the game whether as president of the club or as part of the executive of the Manitoba Curling Association. John was just recently vested as a life member of this Brooklands and Weston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to reflect his commitment and support to the many activities undertaken by this Legion. He was particularly moved by his own respect for the veteran and to their memory. To give meaning to that, John served as Sargeant at Arms for this Branch. Up until January of this year, John was a member of the Color Party that gathered to accord respect to our fallen veterans. John's life was based upon a profound sense of duty and commitment to family. He was not brash or overt in that expression. While he was part of that generation that gave selflessly to preserve the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today, he did not ask anything of us in return for that service. Nor did he seek recognition. Rather, it was enough for him to have the same opportunity to enjoy the benefits of life in Canada that he and the others of his generation provided for us all. Lee and her family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks for care given to John by Lynn and the other nursing and medical staff of the Seven Oaks Hospital. John has been cremated with interment to follow at a later date. A celebration of John's life will be held at the Brooklands and Weston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 1613 Logan Avenue at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 23, 2010. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.