John Muirhead

Posted Dec 7, 2021 | 2:08 PM by SaamisMFC

John Charles Muirhead of Cypress Country, beloved husband and dear friend of Fern for 67 years, passed away on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 at the age of 88 years. Father of Deb (Bryan) Kolb of Fernie, BC; proud grandfather of Seana, Graeme Lees (Ashley), Kostie, Pamela, Andrew and Matthew Muirhead; great grandchildren, Khloe and Felix of New Westminister, BC, Jackson and Lincoln of Calgary, AB; sister, Delores Dechka of Brandon,MB and her family . John was predeceased by his wife, Fern; sons, Murray John and Eric Andrew. John was born on December 31, 1932 in Brandon, MB, the only son of Andrew and Dora (Brandt) Muirhead of Douglas, MN. He attended schools in the Douglas area before going on to obtain a BSC from the University of Manitoba by the age of 19, achieving a mark of 100% in chemistry in the final year earning the U of M’s Chemistry medal. John and Fern were married following graduation in 1952. From university, he worked in the oil exploration field in several points in Alberta before heading to Ottawa to a career with the Defence Research Board at Shirley Bay. During the 5 years spent in Ottawa, Deb and Murray were born. With deep roots in Western Canada and a desire to return to the west, a transfer to Suffield and Ralston was made in 1957. During the 6 years in Ralston, son Eric was born and in 1963 the family moved to Crescent Heights, residing on 13^th Street NE until 1982 when John and Fern moved to a country residence south of Dunmore. John retired in 1988 after 35 years with DRB and DRES. John enjoyed the outdoors and hiking, curled for many years both in Ralston and Medicine Hat, read extensively, enjoyed crossword puzzles (the more challenging the better!), and with the arrival of computers, compiled a large and detailed Muirhead family history. He and Fern made several trips to Northern Ireland to explore John’s Irish roots. He enjoyed time spent with family and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow to adulthood. A gentle, compassionate man with a quiet sense of humor who will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading John Muirhead.

Date : 2021-12-04
Location : Medicine Hat,AB.