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John Battensby
Gailey Hutchinson
December 30, 1943 – August 20, 2020
John was born in New Delhi, India; educated at American High School in Brazil, and University of Durham, U.K. Whilst at University John's
thesis was "Synthetic Hormones in Beef Production" - earning John tremendous commendations for such superlative work. From University John pursued a career in Sales and Marketing -initially in veterinary products, which took him into international markets covering mostly South American countries; John was fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and when later residing in Calgary, Alberta, he was engaged by the Berlitz School of Languages for translation work. For a while in the 1960ies he came to Canada but returned to the U.K. - eventually to return with his new wife to be, Brenda, who married John on October 18, 1975, in Calgary, Alberta where they lived for a short period before settling in Red Deer, Alberta. John's marketing career took him into agriculture, then oil and gas followed by employment with Bowman Distribution where he earned his 'quota Buster' diamond ring and a trip to Germany for being top in Canadian sales for the Bessey Clamps Company. During John's younger years in Brazil, he won many medals for his swimming ability - and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Red Deer benefitted greatly from his swimming expertise when of an evening he taught Swimming to adults and Special Olympics participants. During this time in Red Deer, John joined the Red Deer branch of ACT/UCT and supported all their charitable and community activities. And benefitted admirably from the friendships formed of long standing.
Whilst in Red Deer, John had good rapport with the RCMP - having within his vehicle an early edition of a mobile phone; and then, contributing to the establishment of the Shooting Range and Gun Club. John was the membership director for some time; he enjoyed his 357 magnum, making his loads, etc., and firing at the silhouettes - a very smart and accurate marksman. Walking was a passion - inherited from his Grandfather (who lived to see his 95th year) - more on the golf course in the winter than ever in the summer, using either Nordic poles or snow shoes. John and Brenda would cover the 18 holes whilst the dog would do 36! The nearby Provincial Park was always a favorite too. John loved his dogs - Boxers (his Grandfather had a Boxer) - was a member of the Canadian Kennel Club, and Red Deer Kennel Club, and a founding member of the Alberta Boxer Club. He leaves behind "Hummer" - a Nova Scotian Boxer of ten years.
Eventually, John and Brenda moved on from Red Deer to Vancouver Island where they enjoyed a busy semi-retirement. Whilst on the Island, John purchased a Yamaha Scooter; this was their 'second vehicle' which took them all over the Island - first on the ferries for island-hopping -
and brought them lots of enjoyment. However, never having visited the Maritimes, and having sold their Vancouver Island home - so 'no ties that bind' - a slow and meandering cross-country trip brought them to Nova Scotia, where they were happy to finally settle in Nictaux, Annapolis County, a beautiful part of Nova Scotia, Finally - Hummer was at John's bedside, together with Brenda, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, when John passed, on Thursday, August 20th 2020. If only John had been given the strength to remain on this earth until October 18, 2020, then they would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. John's matching wedding ring is now on Brenda's middle left hand finger, next to her matching wedding ring. On looking at them, brings a gentle smile to her face with cherished memories of John's many achievements, strength of character and morals, and sincerest love of her, his partner in life,
John's wishes (and the same would be for Brenda) for his funeral were for the most basic simple casket, cremation - ashes to Brenda.
No fanfare
No celebration of life
No flowers
But perhaps a card to Brenda, which she will treasure.
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