Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
John Toker
1946 – 2025
Pa is survived by his children: Shawn (Deanna), Shane (Christine), Shandi (Kristin), and Shyann (Darren); grandchildren: Brayden (Justin), Natasha (Trevor), Mariah (Sheldon), Mylanda (Jared), Jordan (Nash), Maitlynn (James), Hannah (Cayden), Maguire (Zoey), JT, Midnite, Mishynn, and his little Flames co-fan, Magaven. Pa sure got a kick out of watching his great-grandchildren, William and Elowyn, motor around under foot and playing with his cane. He is also survived by his half sister, Verna Taylor and family. John was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elaine and his mother, Minnie Deibert.
Pa is survived by his children: Shawn (Deanna), Shane (Christine), Shandi (Kristin), and Shyann (Darren); grandchildren: Brayden (Justin), Natasha (Trevor), Mariah (Sheldon), Mylanda (Jared), Jordan (Nash), Maitlynn (James), Hannah (Cayden), Maguire (Zoey), JT, Midnite, Mishynn, and his little Flames co-fan, Magaven. Pa sure got a kick out of watching his great-grandchildren, William and Elowyn, motor around under foot and playing with his cane. He is also survived by his half sister, Verna Taylor and family. John was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elaine and his mother, Minnie Deibert.
Johnny came into this world on October 6th, 1946. His childhood was not easy, but he went on and built a beautiful, full life. At this time, Pa’s legs were not serving him well; they were a source of pain and frustration as in his younger years, he was one hell of an athlete! His athleticism in both basketball and baseball still shone through in his grandchildren!
Dad met and married our Mom/Grum in 1968, returning to her in heaven, one day before their 57th wedding anniversary; the jury is out on how that reunion went. Pa worked tirelessly for our family; he never complained or asked for anything in return. Pa loved the simple things: fishing on a river bank, time at the cabin, long summer days at the ball diamond, exciting games in school gyms, a cold beer, good scotch, stinky cigars, a well fit ball cap, and a good slice of homemade apple pie!
We will miss Pa’s unwavering support, his honest advice and his witty smart-ass comments. We will strive to work and play hard to continue to make him proud. How blessed we are to have had him! Funny and strong, hardworking and selfless, and downright adorable in his old age!
His life was one to be celebrated so this Sunday, February 16th let’s do just that! PUB night for PA! The Celebration of John’s life will begin at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, at 5:00 P.M., then continue at Canadian Brewhouse to celebrate our sweet Pa!
Guestbook (13)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of John.
Today I opened Facebook and found out that John had passed. Such a sad, sad day that must have been. I’m 76, but I was always “kiddo” and he absolutely made my day. He was so nice to everybody. People would say they are going to Walmart, and John was the icing on the cake. We would make sure if he was on the North door and we came in the south door that we would DEFINATELY be going out the North, even though it was farther to the car. They new he was going to call them kiddo….such a cute thing to say. John will be missed very much. To John’s family; please take care of yourselves…this had to be the saddest day ever. God Bless, Love Linda & Rob
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We always enjoyed seeing him when we went to Walmart. He was the Best, always very friendly and just an all around Great guy!! He will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Your Pa absolutely made my day every time I went to Walmart on his shift. Hearing "Hey Kiddo, how ya doing?" put the biggest smile on my face and I loved it. I will miss him
Our condolences to all the family. May you find comfort in your memories. John and Faye Henderson
Condolences to ALL your family. Boyd remembers playing baseball against your dad at Hoping with the ‘Grain team’ . He was quite a BALL PLAYER. We cheered at some basketball and ball games when our Grandkids played on the same teams. I enjoyed him at Walmart, I shared with him about Boyd knew how good of a baseball player He was! And that Life had Our grandchildren playing sports together …. It brought a BIG smile to John. May your memories take the pain away and bring you smiles . Boyd/Colleen Bianchi
My Condolences to the Family. Meet him at Walmart,always pleasant to talk too. R.I.P John.
I grew up in Foremost (my Dad Wally owned the hardware store, which was just a few steps from Johnnie's and Verna's home. We went through school together, and shared lots of adventures. I enjoyed reading about his life since school. It sounds like he had a very happy life and was well-loved. My sincere sympathies to all of his family.. Elaine (Phillips) Ward Red Deer
Sorry to hear of John's passing. We were good friends from Grade one in Foremost. We had many great times together in our younger years! Often had him on my mind. We both visited them often in Calgary and then in Lethbridge. Enjoyed seeing the kids grow and mature into adults. John & Mary were like brother and sister to us . Will now miss them both ! Our prayers are with you all!
Shawn and family, I am very sorry for your loss.
I knew your colourful Pa as the BEST Greeter at Walmart ! His friendly smile and a little chit chat was so Welcoming and always put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step . May he rest easy in peace . Sorry for your family loss , and may your cherished memories be a comfort and JOY in remembering your love for him .
I met John as a customer at Walmart and he was a greeter. He called me kiddo. He was a very friendly person and cared about others. Hugs. Prayers to everyone. He will certainly be missed never forgotten.
Condolences to the entire family, I never knew your Pa, but I have to say he was the best Walmart greeter, Walmart could have. He could make anyone’s day, with a hello kido. May he rip