I knew John for a long time as Kids hanging Around St Angela and Bridgeland School and then later at pool weekdays He will be sorely missed.

Manuela, our deepest condolences to you and your family. We were very saddened to hear about John, but wanted to say that he always made us laugh (or groan) during our times at the gym together, and he will be a bright spark that will be missed.

John was a neighbor and a friend who you couldn’t help but like. John was a person who would always stop for a minute to talk and often had a short joke to tell. Well liked by those that knew him and surely will be missed. Rest in a peace my friend.

I met John over twenty years ago after Finning purchased R. Angus. I was in the service training department and living NW of Edmonton, travelling to Calgary, living in hotels. After several trips down south to conduct training courses John found out I was living out of a suitcase and invited me to his home for a meal., This was the first invitation of companionship I experienced since traveling to Calgary. I appreciated John's concern and care for people, even an "Edmontoniian" from the north. After a few years I moved to Calgary and enjoyed the opportunity of spending more time with John. He always had an anecdote, story or joke to share and lift spirits. We had more than a few philosophical discussions and we didn't always agree, but we stayed friends. I was truly impressed with his vast reading of subjects. His knowledge on many topics was truly remarkable. I enjoyed John's company because his enthusiasm for life and people was contagious and helped a pessimist (me) to live life more fully. I will miss you John.

Condolences to his immediate and extended family. May the peace of God provide comfort in this time of loss and grief.

I had met John about 10 years ago as I was asked if I could go help Finning out in Calgary because they were busy & short on man power. So from the small town of the Crowsnest Pass we head into the big city. Within the first hour or so of being in the shop this guy comes up to me and asks “ Who the heck are you and what are you doing here? Nervous as heck I explained to this fella “JP” on what I was doing there, I started thinking oh boy this is gonna be a long week. Then within 15 mins of talking, the joking started and a sense of relief came about. By the end of the day I was offered to go over for supper. From then on he was just not another worker but a friend. It’s those things that a person doesn’t see anymore. Condolences to Manuela , Alex, Stephan & Family! John was a great guy! Rest in peace JP!

Dear Manuela,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. May John always remain close to your heart . God Bless you all .

Christina Pfitscher & Family

I came to Calgary in 2006 for a 3 week work placement with Finning in readiness for moving to Canada after my career in the British Army, and I was accompanied by my wife Suzanne and our two young girls. Our accommodation was a suite downtown for 3 weeks.

As soon as JP realized that my wife and girls were cooped up in a hotel he insisted on hosting us at his home, for some food, drink, and company. That simple act of kindness was so typical of JP.

I would like to offer our condolences to Manuela & all the Pavlovic family. JP was a larger than life character with a heart of gold, and equipped with some of the worst jokes I have ever heard.

Rest in peace John

John and I first met in 1957, he was 7 and I was 5. His Dad helped my Dad get a job at Renfrew Motors as a mechanic. My dad spoke Hungarian so did John's Mom. His Dad spoke Serbian and so did my Mom. Our parents became life long friends. A family in the new country. John became my big Brother.

Dear Manuela and Family,

The Moniz family would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember John's positive attitude and his ability to make us laugh.

Sincerely,

Manuel, Humberta, and Rodney

I first encountered John when I started working out and swimming at Renfrew pool a number of years ago. We always enjoyed a chat and many of his groan worthy jokes or stories. He often held court in the walking lane of the pool. Not sure how much exercise any of us got, but John always provided a often needed break from stresses at work. I was fortunate to be included in the Renfrew gang and a recipient of John's flood of funny and uplifting emails. I will miss our coffee or lunch dates where he and Manuela introduced me to several hidden gems around the city and beyond (Dill pickle soup from Roy's Place in Claresholm).

Be at peace John. You will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathies to you and your family, Manuela.

Rick Cornforth

I met JP on 1976 when I started at R Angus. I apprenticed under JP, he was not shy to give his opinion or advise, he was quick with praise or correction always with a joke. I always appreciated conversations with JP. RIP my friend.

I first met John in 1966. His parents were my God parents and dear friends. John married Manuela a year after Gary and I and our families became extended. John was like the big brother I never had. He would say white, being the wild one, I would say black. There were always jokes to bring smiles to the face of friends and others. John worked very hard to bring sunshine into the lives of others and his own. He was a strong presence with very strong opinions and never had an issue saying “come on Lori, how on earth do you land these jobs?” I’d smile and say, because I’m just a bit more stubborn than you!” Then we would all laugh. I will miss his countless emailed jokes, knowing I can pick up the phone and say“when the heck are you guys coming out for a visit.” Last week John told us,from his hospital bed,during a phone call,”I sure do miss seeing you guys.” I told you then and I will tell you again we sure miss you too. Rest well my brother and find peace. God Bless you, love Gary and Lori

I first met John in 1985. I hardly ever worked the night shift as an x-ray technologist at Foothills Hospital but for some reason, I worked this particular night. I was called to a Stat portable chest on one of the units and I was met with a smiling man who was having very difficulty breathing, sitting up in his bed. I said I’m here to do your chest x-ray. He made some witty comments, and we became fast friends after that. Having found out we had so much in common such as finding out that our fathers and uncle knew each other back in Egypt during the North African campaign with the British Army in the Second World War. We became steadfast friends and actually, John and his wife Manuela were godparents to my daughter Sabina. Even though we moved away from Calgary, we were always in contact throughout the years. I will deeply miss his witty comments and his generous personality and great smile. Our deepest condolences to the family.

I first met JP in 1989 at the time of the R Angus / Finning merger. We were both on the integration teams. I travelled from Sparwood, BC at the time to Calgary for meetings. Easy and quick to note was John’s sense of humour and welcoming attitude. Meetings concluded with a trip to John’s favourite ice cream store. Best integration ever!

I transferred to Calgary in 1998 and worked with John. I have never worked with a more positive person. If talking through any discrepancy did not work, common sense and of course humour always turned things around. Always a smile on his face that radiated into the work place and his craft. It was a pleasure knowing you JP and I am far richer as a result.

Ian Dagenais

During dark days at work, John,s presence, encouragement, and goofy jokes made my day.RIP.

Deepest condolences for your loss as husband, father and Grandfather. We will certainly miss his jokes and laughter, reminiscing memories of our parents adventures, camping and cook outs. Also the Pavlovic and Madge Family mid week picnic escapes to Bowness Park for BBQs. Rest in Peace our dear friend and God Father,