Obituary of John Frank CERNY

July 29, 1948 – Coleman, AB January 14, 2014 – Calgary, AB John Frank Cerny, passed away peacefully at the Agapé Hospice on January 14, 2014 at the age of 65, after a courageous and determined struggle with conditions related to scleroderma. John’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 41 years, Joan; his two sons Gregory and Andrew (Nancy) all of Calgary; brother-in-law Dave Smith; his godchildren Keith (Vanessa) Fowkes of Ottawa, Claire (Calum) McLeod of Vancouver, Curt (Lindsay) Fowkes of Prince George, and Kara Fowkes of Deas Lake; his close cousin Dennis (Irene) Rejman and their children Christopher and Michelle of McBride, BC; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Born in Coleman, Alberta, John spent the majority of his early years in Creston and Nelson, B.C. He attended both UBC and the University of Calgary, where he studied accounting and financial management. This summer, John retired from the Calgary Board of Education where he had served in a variety of positions in the Finance and Accounting departments for more than 30 years. John cared deeply about his family and friends and was always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. He was happiest spending time appreciating the beauty of nature, often accompanied by a camera or a fishing rod. He loved to laugh and his dry sense of humour was shared even through the final stages of illness. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to many individuals who eased our way along this challenging journey. The wise counsel, care, and compassion we received from medical professionals was comforting and reassuring. Very special thanks is extended to Dr. John Chan and his staff in Respiratory Medicine at the Rockyview Hospital, and Dr. Stefan Mustata and staff in the Kidney Clinic at the Sheldon Shumir Centre. The staff of Agape Hospice and Foothills Hospital units 111 and 112 deserve high praise for their concern for, comfort, and care of both John and family members. This journey would have been much more difficult without the tireless support, thoughtfulness, wise counsel, and concern of the Boyda, McKenzie, and Rejman families. We will be forever grateful. A Celebration of John’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 3:45 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the The Salvation Army Agapé Hospice or The Friends of Kananaskis Country would be appreciated. In living memory of John Cerny, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.