John Stuart Staples

So, John died. We’re working on forgiving him for the aggravation and annoyance, but in the meantime, we thought that we should compose a short obituary in his honour. So here it goes.

Like most children, John was born. The son of a prominent lawyer and magistrate father, and a teacher and artist mother, John embodied both of his parents entirely and still managed to be his own person. Entirely. Completely. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing John knew that he was his own man to the core. Stubborn, sometimes mercurial, wickedly intelligent, generous, and always kind, John was irrepressible and encouraged all those he knew to be irrepressible, too. John was also passionate, curious, and keenly interested in the world and all those he met. His ability to engage earnestly and immediately with everyone he met made him a great friend.

As frustrated as we are with his bullheaded decision to leave us so suddenly - and we are - we know that his many, many friends will forever cherish the wisdom, humour, and companionship that he brought to all of our lives. John’s passion for and love of learning drove him to adopt many hobbies over the course of his life. We’re reminded of this daily as we sort through box after box of tools, gadgets, and gizmos of unknown purpose. But for every strange device and widget that we uncover, we rest assured that, if we just look long enough, we certainly will find a manual that will explain it to us. Let this be a lesson to never throw away the manuals to anything you buy. RTFM, as John would say.

His family, of course, will miss him most of all. Lesley, his best friend, constant companion, and wife of 49 years; his daughter Lindsay; and his son-in-law, Scott.

There will be a Celebration of Life for friends and family held at Bragg’s Korner Kitchen, (in his home of Bragg Creek, AB, at 16 White Ave #8) on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Please feel free to drop in any time from 2:00  to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Redwood Meadows Emergency Services at http://www.rmesfire.org/site/ or to your favourite charity.  
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Stuart Staples, please visit our floral store.