John Horton

Obituary of John Thomas Horton

May 27, 1933 – London, England

March 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with great sadness the family of John Horton announces his passing on March 3, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 89.

 

John was born in London, England on May 27, 1933. He grew up in London during the war years; where after a brief evacuation to Kent, was brought back to London by his parents. Together they endured the war as a family, including the Blitz of 1940/41. As a boy, John made the best of his situation and was somewhat mischievous and a bit of a free spirit.

 

After the war, John resumed his school studies; however, left school at fifteen years of age. He gained brief employment as a sheet metal apprentice and at the age of eighteen was called up (conscripted) for National Service with the British Military.

 

John was posted to the Royal Military Police, which he always found somewhat amusing given his spirited personality and physical stature, which was considerably shorter than most others assigned as RMPs. As an RMP, John was assigned to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) in Germany for nearly two years; first in Dusseldorf, then Iserlohn and finally Hilden. While with the RMP, John introduced his younger sister, Helene, to a fellow RMP member and her future husband, Derek McCorquindale. John and Derek remained close friends for the next 71 years.

 

Upon his discharge from the military in 1953, John found work at Handley Page, an aircraft manufacturer, where he worked until 1959. It was around that time that he met the love of his life, Olwyn. John’s new life prompted him to leave factory work at Handley Page; he upgraded his education and started work in the furniture industry.

 

In 1972, John and his family immigrated to Canada where he continued in the furniture industry for a short time. John transitioned into the Insurance business, spending five years in sales, and then rising to management positions in sales, claims and underwriting; retiring in 1992. John and Olwyn spent their retirement years in High River and then in southeast Calgary.

 

In 2001, John, along with five other ex-RMP members, founded the Royal Military Police Association, North America Branch. John and Olwyn cherished the comradery of the organization and travelled extensively to annual reunions throughout North America and Britain.

 

John is survived by his loving wife, Olwyn (James); his son David (Catherine) Horton of Australia, and grandchildren Eleanor and Edgar; his stepson Brian (Gail) Tyler of Australia and their daughter Rachel; and his stepson Derek (Gillian) Tyler of Calgary and their son Colin.

 

John was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Marcelle (Bullet), his sister Helene McCorquindale and his stepdaughter Margot.

 

John will always be remembered for his commitment to family, along with his quick wit and wry sense of humour. His presence always brought a smile and a good laugh to the room (often due to colourful and somewhat off-colour quips). His infectious personality and laugh will be missed.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held in John’s memory at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Horton’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 

In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, the family would ask that you make a charitable donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Calgary & Area Chapter, 150, 110 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3G3 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca, Salvation Army, 1731 29th Street SW Calgary, AB, T3C 1M6, online at www.salvationarmy.ca, or by phone 403-410-1112, or another charity of your choice.  

 

In living memory of John Horton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

Click Here to View John Horton's Memorial Card

 

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