Dear Joan and family – I was saddened to read in the Queen’s Journal recently that John had died. I wasn’t aware that you had also lost your son. My girls and I have fond memories of John arriving that first day in Kingston. The girls had just bought their first hoola hoop and we all had a go at it in the living room! Another day we took John for his first toboggan ride – convincing him to sit in the front and point his toes outward. He was heard to remark at the end of the hill “I’m not sure I’m having fun at all”. You and your family will have many more happy memories that will gradually take over from those of this past year.

My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you

Sincerely Helen Hatcher

Just heard (very much delayed) the news and am devastated. To a kid coming from across the world to study medicine in Calgary, Dr.Baumber did everything he could to make me feel at home. He was understanding, kind and considerate. The world is lesser for his absence

Dear Joan and family,

It is with great sadness that I have just

learned of Dr B’s passing. He was such a great guy and good friend to me. I last saw him in 1992, I think it was and have often thought of him over the years.

My deepest sympathies to you all over the loss of one of life’s truly good people.

Yours sincerely

Mary Jane (MJ – his lab tech 1971-76)

My sincere condolences to your family Kirsten.

August 15, 2009

Dear Joan, Kirsten, Kate and Stephen.

We are sorry we are unable to attend John’s Memorial Service but we have a previous engagement. We send our love and condolences to you all. The twenty odd years or so that we were your next door neighbours have just sped by. It seems like yesterday that Ken had to help John as he returned from walking the dogs. John had tried to lift the cattle guard with the garden tractor, however the cattle guard proved to be heavier and it lifted John and his tractor. In this case John’s proverbial lever, the tractor, just wasn’t long enough or heavy enough. John was always ready to help all his neighbours on Saddle and Sirloin with a ready smile and good advice and added heart and emotion to many of the heated debates at our Bragg Valley Hunt Club Meetings. We will miss him.

Sincere condolences,

Sandy, Ken, Aaron and Graeme West

John was a friend for many years at U/C. I appreciated his honesty and directness and I sympathized with his doubts and hesitations. His heart was in the right place, even when our views differed. I offer my condolences to the family.

Dear Joan, Kristen, Kate and Stephen,

I was just forwarded this obituary information about John and am so sorry to hear that he has passed over. I was unaware that he was ill. I moved to Vancouver two years ago and have lost contact with Saddle and Sirloin people now.

I will be unable to attend his church service and be there with you for his service, but I would like you to know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and John on Saturday.

I have very fond memories of the years visiting with Joan in your home and of Kristen and Kate and Stephen growing up, and all of the Saddle & Sirloin group parties and functions at which I always gravitated to sitting and talking with Joan and John. I know that even my dog, Candy, who loved Ottis, felt being around your home was welcoming and comfortable.

Life has been very challenging for you all and I know that losing Michael was a huge sadness and now you have the loss of John.

Hopefully you can pull together to support one another again and look at the strengths and positive things that are building within your family unit.

Know that I remember you all very fondly and appreciate all the babysitting and friendship that was offered over the years from all the members of your family.

With love,

Jan Snider….(Benn, Karla and Candy..