John Bernard Lijdsman, February 11, 1931 - June 30, 2021
LIJDSMAN - John Bernard Lijdsman was born February 11, 1931, in Empress, Alberta and raised in Bindloss, Alberta. John passed away peacefully with family by his side on June 30, 2021, at the Big Country Long Term Care in Oyen, AB.
John attended SAIT University in 1951, where he took electrical trade to become a lineman. While in Calgary, he met the devastatingly gorgeous Mary Lou Keeley at the corner store they both frequented - who said, “the moment we met, that was it!” On June 27, 1953, they were married in Calgary, AB and moved to Oyen, AB, where they set their roots and raised six children - Margaret, Dan, Connie, Karen, Paul & Trudy.
After moving back to Oyen, John worked on the hospital board, drove the school bus, then joined his father Frank as an Insurance Broker. He also took on the role of being Town Administrator & Notary Public.
John was a huge believer in community service and volunteering. He was a coach, referee, umpire for numerous sports, a lifetime member & District Deputy Governor for the Kinsmen, where he was known as “Big John” — volunteered as a Fire Firefighter, Sacred Heart Parish, Ducks Unlimited and many others.
John had many loves; he enjoyed fishing, hunting, poker nights, cards with his siblings & spouses (that turned into WW II). Mom & Dad enjoyed many casino trips and cruises. The family built a cabin at Muriel Lake, where there were many family and friend memories made. And, of course, watching his family grow with a total of 16 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren.
John was adored, admired and loved beyond measure. He loved us with every inch of his 6’2” frame. To say he will be missed is the ultimate understatement.
John is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, six children - Margaret (Kerry) Berg, Dan (Lesley) Lijdsman, Connie (Shane) Wallace, Karen (Harley) Spate, Paul (Bev) Lijdsman, Trudy (Dennis) Hittel. His sister Mary Niwa.
John was predeceased by his parents Frank & Leontine Lijdsman, brother Gerry and sisters Helen & Frankie.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 9 at 1 pm at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Oyen, Ab.
Memorial Donations may be directed to Oyen and District Health Care Foundation: Box 150 Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 or Donor’s Choice.
Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Ab.