Years ago I worked with John. I have the best memories of him in my heart.

He empowered people, he emboldened people and mostly he was kind. Which shouldn’t be applauded because more of us should be like him. But we are not. And he was. And it was genuine. His smile and his jokes and his laugh were all from his heart. And for that he will be truly missed.

Marah Graham

I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. Working with John at Saskoil in Regina and later Calgary I quickly grew to appreciate his welcoming, generous attitude and sense of humor. Sincere condolences to Judi, family, and friends. RIP John.

John Leeson

I am so sorry to have heard of John’s passing. We were summer buddies at Alta Vista when we were young teenagers. He was a very fine young man then and from all accounts turned to be exactly that in his lif and latter years. Sincere condolences to friends and family.

Mike Butcher

Denise and I were so shocked and deeply saddened to learn of John’s recent passing. We will never find the appropriate words to express what John meant to us. We miss John terribly. We were truly blessed to have worked with John as our Manager and co-worker for so many years at CNRL. John’s management style was to always lead by example from the front. John never expected more from his staff than he would do himself. He was always willing to interrupt his extremely busy schedule to discuss our ideas and concerns regardless of importance compared to his own workload. His constant enthusiastic jovial manner always fueled our daily performance. Our loyalty and respect for John started the very day we met him so many years ago. We miss our good friend John and we will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. God thank you ever so much for bringing John into our lives. Please bless John and his entire family forever more. Goodbye our dear friend.

Denise Backman and Gord Salt

My sincere condolences to John's family and friends. I have worked with John for 21 years at CNRL. We enjoyed many field trips back in our BC days flying to Helmet and FSJ. John will always be remembered for his happy and humble attitude, it was truly infectious to those who worked around him. His laugh will never be forgotten and always in our hearts. RIP John.

I shared many moments in time with John, from University to a text on one of his last days, he was always smiling and found a hint of humour in all subjects we discussed..he touched us all with his laughter..rest in peace.

Quentin Enns

John, your smile has faded too quickly, your laugh still echos in the hallways and your shirts will always be in fashion. Thanks for the great memories while working together at CNRL.

Wayne Hatton

Hugs to family and friends. I am like so many other people who had the true privilege to work with John. The CNRL mission statement ends with the words "with fun and integrity" and John brought those words to life at our work place every single day. A true people person, you could always count on John taking the time to lift people up and bring a smile to their faces with his infectious laugh. Fondly remembered and forever missed. See you on the other side of the river John.

John was a great person and a great person to be around. We had the privilege of working with him at CNRL and he clearly loved his job and inspired his colleagues. He was very capable in all he did, but also brought the best out of those around him, A true class act,

Brian and Carmen Illing

Dear Jud - Our hearts are breaking for you and your family on the loss of John. His laughter, wonderful nature and character will be forever remembered. Sandy & Pete Foster

Hello Judy, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Prayers for you all. May God give you the strength to cope with this huge loss in your lives. May his soul Rests in Peace. Regards, Ranjit Uppal

I am one of many at CNRL that were blessed to have known and worked with John. He had the amazing ability to quickly put people at ease with a wide smile and infectious laugh. We would hear that laugh from down the hallway, and it would pull us out of our offices – the need to find him and be in on whatever was making him laugh. He was one of the most genuinely good human beings I have had the privilege to know, I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to work and learn from him.

Thank you John for sharing your light with us. My sincere condolences to John’s family, I hope you find some comfort in one another’s company, the knowledge of how deeply John loved you all, and in the many beautiful memories you have.

Angela

Broke my heart reading John's Obituary. Thinking of you all at such a hard time. Judi, I wish i could just give you a big hug.

Kim Murray

Judi and Family

When I heard about John it was like someone kicked me in the stomach and instantly memories of 40 plus years ago came rushing back. Growing up in our teens John was one of my best friends. The two of us were pretty much joined at the hip especially when it came to the lake. In the summer we were boating and in the winter we were snowmobiling; there might of have been a party or two in the mix. While at the lake we met a couple girls and two became four. Fun times continued and we ended up marrying these girls. John and I worked together at my Dad’s boat dealership for a while and had grand plans of going into business together. Unfortunately that didn’t work out and eventually real life took hold. When John’s career path took them to Calgary we drifted apart but did manage to get together for a few special events when kids got married. I don’t have a lot of details of the past 40 years but reading the memorials it is obvious John continued to be the great guy we remember so well. And yes we will have a drink for you sometime my friend, maybe two!

Judi and Crew our deepest condolences.

Dave and Donnaleen Bowns

I was fortunate to have Ethel (John’s mom) as my neighbour in Regina for a few years. I met Leslee, Jim and John when they made trips to visit their mom. I remember John flying to Regina and back to Calgary the same day, with his mom, to take her to his home for a visit or family holidays. The Argans are a wonderful family!! I am saddened at the loss of your son, husband, brother, father, grandfather. John was an accomplished, funny man who left a legacy of kindness, community, friendships and family. I hope the many warm memories tucked in your heart wrap you in comfort during these very difficult days and in the years ahead.

When I hear his name I think of his kind words to me, "It is not what you get, it is about what your give". "You know, when Judi had to work at night, I could not sleep". He was truly a beautiful human being. I had the pleasure of knowing John through CNRL many many years ago. Sincere condolences to his family and many friends. Bonnie Marr-Smith

Judy, Logan, Bailey and Michael

Carol Ann and I are very sorry to hear about John’s passing. We both had the great fortune to work with John at CNRL and Saskoil respectively.

It’s hard to imagine that more than 30 years have passed since Rich, Al, Dave, John and I were team members in the “Northern Pod” at Saskoil in Calgary. When we weren’t exploring for hydrocarbons (which was most of the workday or so we led everyone to believe), we spent time working on our next prank to be used to torment our other team mates and John was always there with a great idea or to help execute one of our pranks. Despite the years that have passed and the companies that we have both worked for, John still retains his title as one of the most entertaining and talented geologists that we have met.

I will always remember John as a skilled geologist, hard worker, good sport, team player and undefeatable optimist. The thing that I appreciated most about John (other than his skills as a videographer who was partially responsible for filming and producing the infamous “Dale’s Last Day” video with his co-producer, Dick) was the fact that he was always there with a listening ear when I needed one. He had a peacefulness, pragmatism and logic about him that could help restore a sense of calm when things weren’t always going as I thought they should.

Please rest assured that John had a positive impact on the lives of many, many people and that he will never be forgotten by those of us that had the privilege of working with him and calling him a friend. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

To the Argan family:

John was one of my area managers at CNRL. He sat directly across the hall from me for years. His morning hellos in his Hawaiian attire and hearing his boisterous laugh everyday was the reminder we all needed to not sweat the small stuff and keep things lighthearted. John was always so kind, supportive, and showed his appreciation for those of us who worked with him daily. His hallway visits and infectious positive attitude will be dearly missed; but the impression he left on so many of us is a lasting one.

My sincere condolences.

Anna Ostrzenski

Dear brother, you leave this world a far better place than when you came into it,

Your legacy is one of generosity of heart, spirit and good will,

You lit the way for others so they could shine brighter,

You will remain in my heart and mind so long as I walk this earth.

Good Night, Bon Joy

Love LesLee

Dear Argan Family.

I worked with John at CNRL. When I joined CNRL, John made me feel welcomed and was always an open and encouraging manager to work with. Although I did not work for John, he made time for me when I needed and was always collaborative and supportive of me and any coworker he was in contact with. I will dearly miss John, he left us too early. I will forever remember John's smiling face and festive shirts. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Sincerely Wes Bader

John and I have known each other for many years. We first worked together at SAKSOIL and WASCANA, then we were once again united at CNRL. He always had a smile on his face and a greeting from the heart. You will be missed my friend. I have nothing but good memories about you and the way you always treated others with respect and kindness. I enjoyed all the times that we were able to spend together. May you rest in peace.

Judy, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of John. What a beautiful gift he was to us all. He had me laughing & smiling from day one back in the days working with him at Saskoil – and it was no different at CNRL. He had such a unique and genuine talent of affecting an environment – allowing each to feel important, each able to contribute, while keeping a team calm, focused, thinking and always with a smile. John made each day better.

Kim + I are grateful and will forever remember & cherish the fond memories with you and John in Hawaii. Judy, you, John and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hawaii will not be the same nor will we.

Mahalo nui loa, e mālama a ʻike hou mākou iā ʻoe. (until we meet again my friend)

Kim and Stephen Hygard

My sincere condolences to John’s family. John and I had worked together as colleagues in the last 2 - 3 years. It was an absolute pleasure working with him and he was a truly people person.

Having had the privilege of working with John for a number of years I can say I learned a great deal from him about integrity, maintaining a positive outlook and treating people with respect. He helped shape my career and I cannot convey how much I appreciated him as a colleague. My condolences to John's family.

Goodbye Dad:

Dad, we had to say goodbye too soon. The world has lost an amazing man. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be with my father in his final days. My dad felt so fortunate for all that he had, and told me that every moment in his life built towards creating a perfect life. He was so grateful for the life that he had. He taught me so much about living, and appreciating and valuing all of life’s experiences.

My father led an inspired life, a life full of lessons that I have learned from and strive to live up to. My dad was always so positive. I saw him choose happiness everyday. Every morning he would wake up and happily say, with great conviction and certainty, that “today is going to be a good day.” Dad made life an adventure by being curious, and silly, and not taking things too seriously. He will always be remembered by his infectious smile and hearty laugh.

My dad was so selfless and caring towards all people. He gave his time and love generously and was so incredibly considerate. He genuinely cared about, and gave so selflessly to all the people around him. My dad believed in kindness and compassion. And he always reminded me to be kind to myself, and to take care of myself. He was always thinking about others, even in his final days.

Dad loved to be goofy and have fun, and had incredible wit that shone through until the end. He was always laughing and enjoying life. When I was a kid, he got down on the floor and played with us, and built forts with us, and let us run barefoot through the greenbelt sprinklers on hot summer nights. He always treated us kids, and all of our friends, with such respect and fairness. He lived in each moment, and made life an adventure.

My dad impacted so many lives by living a selfless, caring, giving and fun life. He had amazingly strong character and integrity in all that he did. He managed to find a perfect balance of inspiring work ethic and quality family time, full of love. Dad had a full life. He made such a lasting impression in this life with his love, generosity, and kindness, and he will live on forever in our hearts, and in our stories, and in his children and grandchildren. This world is a better place because of him. I will honour my dad’s memory by working everyday to live with love and kindness, and to never be afraid to be silly and have fun. I love you Dad. Thank you for giving me the most fulfilling life, full of love and laughter.

Your loving daughter, Bailey

To John's Family & Friends:

I first met John in 2017 as I was preparing to join CNRL. John was in a room with many others, but stood out like no other...I recall thinking – “I don’t know who that guy is, but boy do I like his shirt!” Eventually, I had a one-on-one meeting with John, where he told me that I would be joining his team. His kindness and humour made me feel incredibly welcomed to the CNRL family, and I knew that this was where I was meant to be. Even though he was only my manager for a short period of time, he has made a profound impact on me as a geologist, in the most positive way possible. I will miss the team meetings at "John's other office", but I will cherish the memories for a life time.

My sincerest condolences to John's family and many friends. May you all find comfort in one another and through the many wonderful memories that such a wonderful person has gifted to us all.

Warmest Regards,

Victoria Wallace

John was my manager at CNRL for a brief but memorable time. He was a great boss who clearly cared about his workers. My condolences to the Argan family for their loss.

I have recently learned the hardest thing is having to say goodbye to someone I love with my whole heart. The grief of losing my dad so suddenly is an unimaginable heartache. My dad was an amazing man who changed the lives of so many people. He believed in the good in everyone. He believed everyone has undeniable worth and everyone is worth fighting for. He fought for people and helped others. Throughout his life he modelled the importance of being kind, forgiving, and compassionate. He also modelled commitment and integrity. I have always been amazed by his strong work ethic. He had the best sense of humour, even in the darkness of his final days. His laughter filled a room. I watched my parents demonstrate unimaginable bravery throughout these past weeks. They are true heroes. Their love for each other was undeniable. He loved my mom since they were seventeen. I have never heard my dad say an unkind word about my mother. He bought her flowers every weekend for as long as I can remember. I learned the meaning of true love by watching my parents love and respect each other. Their second home was Hawaii and I will always think of my dad when I see a Hawaiian shirt. He devoted himself to his family. There wasn’t anything he didn’t do for us. He gave me endless love and the happiest childhood. He made cardboard box forts for us, helped me with my homework, and cheered at my dance competitions. He bought us donuts for breakfast on the weekends when my mom was working and let us run in the sprinklers in the summer evenings. He helped us build lego mansions and haunted houses at Halloween. I will always cherish the hours we spent together in the family suburban driving to and from Regina throughout my life. Some of my warmest and best memories are from our Sunday dinners and watching him play with his grandkids. They love their Gido and I will forever make sure his memory lives on with his grandchildren. I am proud and honoured to have learned so much from my dad. I feel forever lucky to have spent so many loving years with him. I love you Dad, forever and always.

Judi, Logan, Bailey and Mickey my deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was so saddened to hear of Johns passing. Every time I walk by the house with Mom I think of all those years we spent in the basement and every sleepover we would wake up to fresh donuts and juice every single time thanks to John he opened his home and heart up to us girls and was a formative figure in my youth. Those small kindnesses that made your dad who he was will be sadly missed and the world will be less bright for it. He was an amazing genuinely kind person and I’m so very sorry for your loss. Myself and my family are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and tomorrow I will pick up a donut and think about your dad and all the fun times us girls had with him. All my love

-Kate Long

My thoughts and Prayers to all of you in John’s family. Sounds like a wonderful man and to be able to share his thoughts and wishes. Sorry I could not have gotten to know him better.

Darrel Argan

Stonewall, Manitoba

To my Argan family: Sending so much love to all of you. Uncle John was so much fun, so full of life. I'll always remember his laugh. This obituary is beautiful and it is a gift to be able to read his words. I'm thankful to have such a wonderful extended family and I hope to see you all soon to celebrate our luck at having such a good man in our lives. Love, Syd