Sorry to learn of the passing of Johnny, I met him when we both worked at Smitty's. It was my introduction to C & W music, Sunday mornings he always played "Sunday Morning Coming Down" we were all tired as it was shift change. or maybe late night at the Cascade! Shifts were usually late night Saturday then early AM Sunday, next Johnny would play Charlie Pride "Kiss and Angel Good Morning". His music and good natured teasing were endless. Our dishes were spotlessly clean, as was everything when Johnny was on shift. To Johnny's family hold close all your memories of a caring person.

Once upon a time - - - This is NOT a Fairy Tale!

Back in the Summer of 1958 my parents chose to uproot our family and move from the “Flatlands” of High River, Alberta to the wonders of Banff National Park.

Like anyone seeking to live there, at that point in history, it was almost impossible to find a place to live. After Spending the Summer hanging out with my much older sister, Val, playing by the railway tracks in Canmore we tentatively headed for our first day of school in Banff.

We knew absolutely no one so it was a little intimidating. I was also about to “grow-up” as I would be going to Grade 7!!!! (YEA!! - Junior High) and Val would be all the way across the cinder playground in High School - Grade 10!

My first day in school I was approached by an unexpected “friend” - - - Johnny Gee!

Back in High River I don’t recall any of my classmates being anything but Caucasian Protestants, (or maybe Catholics, in some of our cases.)

Now here was this unexpected, exuberant “Oriental” person, who recognized that a “Newby” in class needed some companionship. Fortunately, for me, I was that new kid! Every day when the group arrived to school from the Sun Greenhouses, Johnny would come running to see me. (Many times bringing a chocolate bar or some fresh vegetables to share with his new found friend.)

Gradually, I met and became friends with all my classmates and we grew to become probably the “tightest/closest” group of students to ever survive the rigors of Junior and Senior High School together. “The Class of ’64 from Banff High School!”

Over the years Johnny’s and my paths diverged as our interests grew and changed. However, I never forgot that wonderful, enthusiastic greeting I was given by this wonderful person – Johnny Gee!!!

I’m not sure if I ever was mature enough to relate my gratitude and friendship back to Johnny but I do know that I have retold this story many times over the years to my closest friends. As I have aged and hopefully grown smarter and more compassionate; I have tried to emulate this act of kindness in dealing with people in all walks of life. If I have succeeded, even in part, those who have benefitted owe it all to this wonderful, compassionate individual who went out of his way to make the new kid feel welcome.

Johnny, thank you . . . I will miss you . . . but I will never FORGET YOU!!!

L.M. Mike Violini

Once upon a time - - - This is NOT a Fairy Tale!

Back in the Summer of 1958 my parents chose to uproot our family and move from the “Flatlands” of High River, Alberta to the wonders of Banff National Park.

Like anyone seeking to live there, at that point in history, it was almost impossible to find a place to live. After Spending the Summer hanging out with my much older sister, Val, playing by the railway tracks in Canmore we tentatively headed for our first day of school in Banff.

We knew absolutely no one so it was a little intimidating. I was also about to “grow-up” as I would be going to Grade 7!!!! (YEA!! - Junior High) and Val would be all the way across the cinder playground in High School - Grade 10!

My first day in school I was approached by an unexpected “friend” - - - Johnny Gee!

Back in High River I don’t recall any of my classmates being anything but Caucasian Protestants, (or maybe Catholics, in some of our cases.)

Now here was this unexpected, exuberant “Oriental” person, who recognized that a “Newby” in class needed some companionship. Fortunately, for me, I was that new kid! Every day when the group arrived to school from the Sun Greenhouses, Johnny would come running to see me. (Many times bringing a chocolate bar or some fresh vegetables to share with his new found friend.)

Gradually, I met and became friends with all my classmates and we grew to become probably the “tightest/closest” group of students to ever survive the rigors of Junior and Senior High School together. “The Class of ’64 from Banff High School!”

Over the years Johnny’s and my paths diverged as our interests grew and changed. However, I never forgot that wonderful, enthusiastic greeting I was given by this wonderful person – Johnny Gee!!!

I’m not sure if I ever was mature enough to relate my gratitude and friendship back to Johnny but I do know that I have retold this story many times over the years to my closest friends. As I have aged and hopefully grown smarter and more compassionate; I have tried to emulate this act of kindness in dealing with people in all walks of life. If I have succeeded, even in part, those who have benefitted owe it all to this wonderful, compassionate individual who went out of his way to make the new kid feel welcome.

Johnny, thank you . . . I will miss you . . . but I will never FORGET YOU!!!

Larry "Mike" Violini

I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of John. He worked for Bob at Smitty's during the 70's and there was not a kinder person to be found. Bob passed away in November and I so wanted to tell John, hopefully now the two of them are reminiscing about the days they spent together. Heartfelt condolences to all of his family.

We are so sorry to hear about John. We wish to send our sympathy and love to Barb, Belinda and Ed as well as to all of the rest of the family.

All our love,

-Susan Brayford and Richard Dickson

I am saddened & sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing . He was a very fun , kind soul who was always friendly & considerate of others . I know how much u loved him & how much u will miss him . There are no words to ease the pain of loss. May God who sees your grieving hearts be ever near to give you peace. . My sincere sympathy & caring to all the families. Love & Prayers Elaine Quinn

My sincere sympathy goes out to all the members of the Gee family on the recent passing of John! My memories of John ... and his large and extended family ... go back over 50 years to when I worked in Banff at Park'N'Pedal Bikes ... one of the Gee family enterprises. While working there my employers became my good friends and many, many times I enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Mom Winnie as she piled on the food at one of her endless dinners at The Greenhouse. While closer to Barbara and Brenda in age, I still enjoyed brother Ed's thoughtful demeanour, Margaret's style and friendly smile, Bill's good humor and John's love of fancy cars. I got to know Art as well, and was amazed by the fun and constant banter around the huge dinner table and the way everyone managed to get on and enjoy each other's company in a crowded environment. Although Belinda had moved out by then she seemed to be "present by proxy" as she often came up in the conversation. I have had the great pleasure to know this wonderful family for over half a century and have felt the pain of loss as Winnie passed and more of her children have followed. I remember so well those great times "back in the day", and I mourn with them all as yet another family member takes his leave! Marvin Maronda of Lomond Alberta