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John Steve Siray
October 17, 1939 - January 6, 2014
Tribute
John Siray passed away peacefully in the late evening hours of Monday, January 6, 2014 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital at the age of 74 years. John was born on October 17, 1939 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Andrew and Barbara Siray.
John grew up in Shaughnessy, Alberta and at the young age of 17, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Bunn on August 1, 1957. His first job was in Nobleford at Noble Cultivators. John’s occupations took them to many different locations – in Trail at Teck-Cominco. Dawson Creek as an instructor, and here in Cranbrook as the Dean for Vocational School. He helped acquire many new programs at the East Kootenay Community College. He started the welding division , building the shop from the bottom up when it was still the East Kootenay Community College. He was President of the BC Vocational Association. John was a born leader and would let any one know what his opinion was – whether you wanted him to or not! John could never be still and at times had at least three jobs on the go. His later years were spent running the Family Framing shop with his wife, Betty. Many times, he would donate pictures he had framed to families of sick children. Always trying to be of a help to someone in need.
John coached many hockey teams over the years. He was the President of the Cranbrook Royals Senior League and was a part of winning the Allan Cup in 1981-82. He was always there to help a soul in need and would give the shirt off his back to help another. He had a passion for trying to help out troubled kids. One of the recipients of his kindness came back to let him know that he was “passing on the kindness” that he had received from John. John will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.
John leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty; his three children; Debbie Siray, Susan Siray and John (Kim) Siray and his grandchildren;, Kyle, Jessie, Mandy, Cindi, Candace, Cody, Scott and Katelynn. He also leaves behind 14 great grandchildren and his good friend George Wade.
John was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Barbara Siray, two brothers Lou and Les Siray; his dearly loved grandson Jonathan Siray and his best friend and companion, Ben.
A Service to Celebrate the life of John will be held on the May long weekend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, 1690 Matthews Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2. Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com
Condolences
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From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Pauline Bennison
Relation: College co-worker
Betty, I am sorry for your loss. I hope John didn’t suffer too much during his last days on this earth.
I will always remember John as someone who supported me and my students at the College of the Rockies.
Although we haven’t worked together in a long time, he did have a powerful effect on me and my students.
God Bless him.
Pauline
From: Donna Grainger - East Kootenay Foundation for Health
Relation: Friend of the Foundation
John was always so generous to our foundation and truly made a difference in lives of others. I wish the family wonderful memories of a wonderful man.
From: Nick Rubidge
Relation: Friend
Betty, I was deeply saddened to hear the news of John. If I remember correctly he was the first full time trades instructors to join us at East Kootenay Community College. I remember him as being full of vim and vigour, pushing hard for his programs, and for the college, and of course for his students. He helped many generations of students. I was privileged to have him as a friend.
From: Rose Stevens
Relation: my picture framer
Dear Betty
So sorry to hear of John’s death. He was so fair and knowledgeable about this craft. Thinking this week that I must get back to him re a project I started prior to Christmas. Life is so tender, so fragile and so very precious, may he rest in peace. Blessings, Rose – a customer
From: Bud & Rhonda Beeman
Relation: Friend
Betty, we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. When I joined the college in 1978 he made me feel welcome and I felt supported. He was my mentor and confidant throughout the years we both spent at the College. I enjoyed working with him and I especially liked the feeling of camaraderie in the Trades events. We will miss his huge hugs and big smile whenever Rhonda and i would see him downtown.
From: Rosemary Sherret
Relation: family friend
Dear Betty and family
I was shockedto read aboutmyour loss. I have many memories of his teasinf, love of dogs, and his family. I know you will cherish all his memories.
From: Pete and Marie Slemko
Relation: friend
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of all of you. at this time.
From: Larry Szalanski
Relation: Co-worker at the College
Betty, we are sorry to hear of John’s passing. I enjoyed working with John for many years at the College. He was always cheerful and helpful. As I am writing this, what comes to mind are the wonderful fishing trips my son and I had with John and John Jr. to the St. Mary’s River area. Larry and Barbara
From: Shirley Organ
Relation: Friend of Sue
Sue – so sorry to hear about your Dad. Had lots of fun with him the frame shop going over a lot of your early day escapades!
Hope you and the kids are well, we are thinking of you
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
MJ’s Floral Boutique
24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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