Obituary of John Richard Cuthiell

Jack Cuthiell, beloved husband of Ethel, left this life peacefully Friday, March 11, 2005 at the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Edmonton, and grew up with his four sisters in nearby Clyde, AB. He developed his remarkable mechanical ability at an early age in his father’s blacksmith shop. In the thirties, he moved to Trail, BC where he apprenticed as a Machinist. Exploring the then-wild roads and mountains of BC on his beloved Harley, he developed the love of motorcycles that stayed with him for the rest of his life. He served in the R.C.A.F. in the War, then returned to Canada, where in 1946 he married Ethel Layton of Great Village, NS. They settled in Edmonton and Jack pursued his trade as an Aircraft Machinist with Northwest Industries. In the fifties, he took a job as a Precision Machinist with the University of Alberta, where he would remain for over twenty years. The work at the University of Alberta, often involving the construction of complex laboratory equipment, suited his natural and intuitive ability to build almost anything. After his retirement in 1979, Jack and Ethel moved to their “second home” in Qualicum Beach, BC, and began a twenty-year love affair with that beautiful part of the world. During that time they enjoyed many trips to other parts of Canada, the United States and Europe. They particularly loved their trips to Hawaii. They developed many friends in Qualicum Beach and became devoted members of their local church congregation at St. Steven’s United, where they are still fondly remembered. In 2000, they returned to Alberta, and settled in Calgary to be closer to their family. To the end of his days, Jack was known for his easy ability to connect with almost anyone, his love of nature and gardening, his ability to “fix almost anything,” and his passionate interest in the world and events around him. Besides Ethel, his wife of fifty-eight years, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law David and Leslie (Baker); his daughter Nancy Clegg; and grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kyle, Ewen and Lindsay. He also leaves behind his sisters, Ann and Agnes; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his sisters, Janet and Margaret, and, very sadly, by his son Richard, who died in 1988. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. His family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Walker and the nursing staff of the CCU at Rockyview General Hospital for their devoted and compassionate care of Jack during the final hours of his life. In living memory of John Cuthiell, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.