Obituary of John Thomas Hadwin

John Thomas Hadwin died at Consort Long Term Centre, Consort, Alberta on January 2, 2013. John was born in the Consort Hospital to Henry and Anne Hadwin February 6, 1931. He was the eldest of the family of five that included Frank, Michael, Margaret and Doug. Home for the family was a homestead in the bottom of a coulee southeast of Consort so the family had to move several times around the Monitor district in order for the children to attend school. While living in Monitor John attended Sunday School and played in the community band. After completing grade nine he then stayed home to attend the farm often spending the winters down there by himself for weeks at a time. This is when he became an avid reader. Gradually John and Michael took over the farm and bought the adjoining one and moved there to enjoy the luxuries of electricity, telephone and running water. Doug later joined the partnership which became Hadwin Bros. Here John's love for the cattle expanded. He spent many hours checking the herd, attending bull sales and calf sales at the Veteran Auction Mart. Later when Michael moved on and Doug's son Rick came back home and wanted to ranch, Hadwin Cattle Co. Ltd. came into being. John was so proud that the next generation was going to carry on the family ranch. He spent many hours with Rick sharing his knowledge and wisdom of the land and cattle. John was always active in sports, as a child shovelling off the rink to play hockey or playing ball on a prairie field. This love continued through his lifetime expanding to curling, pool, coaching and managing teams and even ran the rink in Consort a couple of winters where he tied many a pair of skates. He encouraged sportsmanship and commitment in all the children in the community. Under his leadership artificial ice was brought to our arena. He followed closely with enthusiasm as nieces and nephews followed in his footsteps on the hockey and ball teams and was equally interested in other sports they participated in. His dedication to his community showed in his involvement with the groups that established the present drug store, the vet clinic and the butcher shop. He was a 4-H leader, served on the Ag. Society, the Special Areas Road Committee, the Monitor Historical Society and many more organizations. Due to failing health he reluctantly moved into Long Term Care in the fall of 2010. There he appreciated all the help and care he received from the staff, never complaining about anything. John was predeceased by his parents, sister Margaret and sisters-in-law Laura and Debbie. He is survived by brothers Frank (Betty) of Gadsby, Michael and Doug (Joan) of Consort, 13 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at Knox United Church, Consort, Alberta with Reverends Susan Hertell and Susan Bowyer officiating. John’s niece Julie Nelson gave a touching tribute. Knox United Church Choir led the singing of the hymns; musicians Stacey DeVos and Pat and Charlotte Gilmer presented their gifts of music. Pallbearers were Bill Vincett, Donnie Vincett, Jeff Vincett, Sarah Hadwin, Rick Hadwin, Rob Coulton, Gerald Barber and Mary Ganser and John will be laid to rest at Lakeroad Cemetery in the Spring. Family and friends gathered in the lower hall for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by the Knox UCW. Memorial donations may be made to Consort Minor Sports or the Monitor Historical Society.