Obituary of Eldwyne Jones

August 17, 1942 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

December 31, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Eldwyne B. Jones went peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the age of 81 years.

 

El is missed dearly by his beloved wife of 58 years, Geraldine Jones (Munro), his children CarrieAnn (Wayne), Kevin (Wendy), Dwayne (Kimberly), and Coralee (Rod); his grandchildren Braiden (Talena), Jared (Kennedy), MacKenzie, Cassandra, Kianna, and Joshua, and two great-grandchildren arriving soon. He is also survived by his siblings Byron (Linda), Keith (Annette), Nelson (Linda), Shirley (Darrell), and Garth (Donna), and brother-in-law (Len), sisters-in-law (Ida & Marlene), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends.

 

El was predeceased by his father (Benjamin), mother (Marion), sister (Marilyne), and brothers (Murray and Lionel).

 

El was born in Saskatoon, SK in 1942. In 1957, the family moved to Whiterock, BC. In 1959, he went to the Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston, SK. He then took a couple of years off and worked in Whiterock. After which, he decided to go back to FGBI in 1962. He was Student Body President and graduated from FGBI in 1964. While he was there, he met his beautiful wife – Geraldine. They were engaged in 1964 and got married a year later in 1965. They truly became one unit, and functioned as such: in ministry, parenting, and in everyday life.

 

The first churches they Pastored were in Dewberry and Frog Lake, AB. Their first trip to Central America (with majority of time spent in Guatemala), was in 1972 with the last trip in 2008 and there were many visits in-between.

 

They moved to Manning, AB in 1973, where they lived for 14 years. While they were there, he Pastored at the Full Gospel Tabernacle and did services and Bible studies in several of the surrounding towns including: Dixonville, Paddle Prairie, Sunny Valley, Deadwood, Wood Buffalo Park, High Level, and many others.

 

He was also the Deputy Mayor of Manning for several years and made a definite impact on the town and many of the people – highlights include bringing in the first satellite dish for the town and the big red stairs (those that are from there will know). He was Presbyter of Northern Alberta for many years which meant travelling and working with many churches all over northern Alberta.

 

In 1988, they moved to Grande Prairie, AB where he served as the Outreach Pastor at People’s Church for 4 years. That also allowed them to go back to Central America several times.

 

He also served some years as Camp Pastor with Teen Time Camp, where El and Geraldine became known as Papa Bear and Mama Bear to so many. While there, they forged a bond with the leaders of Second Wave, a ministry of YWAM, and the team as a whole became so important to them. El pastored in Medicine Hat, AB and then in Redcliff, AB. After a number of years, they moved to Olds, AB and eventually settled in Calgary and made it their home.

 

El was called to the ministry at 12 years old and served Jesus faithfully his entire life. He had a heart for people and would help whoever he could in any way that was needed. He wore his heart on his sleeve and did not hide his feelings.

El loved to travel and wasn’t afraid of anything. He loved to share his faith, sing, read and learn new things. He got his pilot’s license and had a Cessna 180, which he loved to fly. He wanted the plane to be able to reach more areas and to minister to more people.

 

Most of all, El loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his family, and his friends. He loved people. He made a lasting impression on countless lives.

 

The family would like to thank the Brighten West staff at the AgeCare Seton for the kindness, care, respect, and love they showed to El and his family over the past years. We are forever grateful. The Family also wishes to say thank you to First Alliance Church, McInnis & Holloway Deerfoot South, and Gaetz/Evergreen Cemetery, and Spolumbo’s Fine Food & Italian Deli for being so considerate, helpful, and gracious.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of a Life Well Lived at First Alliance Church (12345 40 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6) on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 am. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

 

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Rev. Jones’ service streamed live on the day of the service. Please click on the following link to view the service:

 

https://faccalgary.vidflex.tv/en/c/rev-eldwyne-jones-memorial.60

Password:      jones

 

For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted shortly after. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Eldwyne’s family here.

 

In living memory of Rev. Eldwyne Jones, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.