John “Jack” Elmer McLaughlin of Bezanson, AB passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at the age of 79 years, after a brave battle with cancer.

Jack was born on June 24, 1938 in Grande Prairie to Nelson McLaughlin and Blanche Moody, and was married to Bonnie McArthur on April 7, 1958 in Grande Prairie. Along with his family, Jack’s true love was farming. He spent some years working as a pipeline construction foreman and after retiring from pipelining he returned to Bezanson and his lifelong passion for the land.

Jack was a quiet man who loved farming and driving through the Alberta Rockies. He was a huge Oilers and Eskimos fan and was interested in politics at all levels, with a particular knowledge of local history. Jack could take apart and put an engine back together in his sleep and could run any piece of equipment he set his hands to: from tractors and combines to bobcats and backhoes. He was fond of reminiscing and had a gentle spirit which kids and animals loved; cats and dogs would often follow him around the farmyard. When his grandchildren came out to the farm for visits he often asked them “what’s new in the big city?”

Jack is remembered by Bonnie, his wife of 59 years; sons: Blaine (Veni), Kelly (Alice), Brent, and Dale; grandchildren: Cory, Shannon, Nathan, Kristen, and Ryan; sister Lorena Snydmiller (Don) and family of Calgary; and brother Don (Colleen) McLaughlin and family of Prince George.

Jack was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Blanche, and brother Gerald.

Respecting Jack’s wishes there will be no funeral service and a family gathering will be held in celebration of his life.

The family would like to thank the Cross Cancer Institute for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the Cross Cancer Institute (11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2) or the Canadian Cancer Society (200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5).

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at Oliver’s Funeral Home.