Obituary of DYER – John Alfred

February 3, 1943 – June 4, 2011 John Dyer beloved husband of Geraldine Dyer of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the age of 68 years. John was a dynamic presence and will be greatly missed by all his family, his wife Geraldine, his daughter Christine, her husband Calvin Davies, their daughter Stefanie; his daughter Michele, her husband Doran Midyette and their four children, Austin and Josie Baerg, Kirsi and Tia Midyette. He has a sister, Joan Madler, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. In addition he has three brothers-in-law Bob Cave (Pat), Don Cave (Phyllis) and John Cave (Norma) The essence of his happiness was his family whom he loved deeply, and greatly appreciated the support they provided throughout his life and the continuous joy that was ever present in their company. John also appreciated the support and caring of a multitude of friends and colleagues. He was also grateful for the endless care extended by the doctors, nurses and staff at the Foothills Medical Centre, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Home Care staff and Agape Hospice. John was born in Calgary, raised in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and returned to Calgary to attend University of Calgary. He graduated with a B.Ed. degree in 1965 with a music major and completed a MA in Philosophy in 1977. He worked as an educator with Calgary Board of Education for twenty seven years as teacher, Rideau Park Junior High; assistant principal, Ernest Morrow Junior High; principal, Georges P. Vanier Junior High, and Wilma Hansen Junior High; assistant superintendent, South West Area Office, and coordinator of staff development, Department of Human Resources. In 1993 he left the C.B.E. and established his own consulting firm and worked as a trainer, presenter and entertainer across Canada and throughout the United States with occasional work in Spain, Singapore and Australia. His presentations were not only informative and sometimes life-altering but they were also filled with gracious humour and good-hearted laughter. This was consistent with one of his missions in life: “to share a smile with the people he met each day”. Throughout his life John maintained the belief that the quality of life was supported by the four pillars of personal meaningfulness—living, learning, laughing, and loving. John loved every job he had and he sustained an indelible conviction that children are the most important natural resource we have. Their education is not only an investment in the quality of life today, but, also, the quality of life tomorrow. He believed that being an educator is one of the most important ministries that one could have in life. John always found this quote entertaining: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and proclaiming, wow, it’s been one hell of a ride.” That’s how he lived, and that’s how he died. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Financial Assistance Program Fund, Canadian Cancer Society, # 200, 325 Manning Road, N.E., Calgary T2E 2P5 (403-541-2495) or The Salvation Army Agape Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary T2N 1B8 (403-262-6588). In living memory of John Dyer, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.