John was born on May 24, 1943 in Achlum, Friesland, the Netherlands to Sebastianus and Elizabeth Zeinstra. He came to Canada as an agricultural exchange student in 1963. John was drawn to Canada and, consequently, he officially emigrated to Alberta in 1965 with full intention of becoming a Canadian citizen. He flew his flag proudly! In the early ‘70s, Celeste LeClair arrived in Picture Butte from Manitoba when her family purchased the Picture Butte hotel. She caught John’s eye at church and, in 1973, John and Celeste were married. Together, they farmed and raised their family at Picture Butte and Enchant. They retired to Lethbridge in 2006. Sadly, Celeste passed away in 2020. In 2021, John became re-acquainted with Christine Williams. John and Christine had known each other for 50 years, before either were married. An instant friendship developed, and they began dating in August, 2021. Love blossomed and they were married in June 2023, anticipating adventure, companionship and love through the remainder of their golden years. What a blessing for them both!! John was especially looking forward to becoming “Grandpa” to Christine’s 9 grandchildren, and they loved him too!

John had an easy and contagious laugh, a generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and was rarely seen without a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was full of enthusiasm, wisdom, and joy, especially when presented with the topics of family and farming. He most enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, “crop tours”, coffee time, and traveling near to home and to far off locales – most memorably to China, SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and through the USA to Palm Springs. Although he served on many agricultural boards and committees, John was especially dedicated to supporting and promoting the sugar beet industry, and became a leader due to his knowledge and expertise. He was an active member of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers Association for many years, holding positions on the Board of Directors on two separate occasions. He was influential in the Picture Butte Tractor Club, serving as Chairman for many years. John was one of the initial investors in the Picture Butte Golf Club ~ although he never golfed a game! He was on the Board of Directors for the building of the Picture Butte Sportsplex. John was also a member of the Elks of Canada, Picture Butte chapter.

John was very strong in his faith. This faith gave him strength, courage, and peace when faced with unexpected health challenges in his final days. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus in both Picture Butte and Lethbridge, serving in many capacities. John was honored to be a 4th degree KC for many years, served as Faithful Navigator and many of other executive positions.

John will be truly and deeply missed by his wife Christine; his son Roger; his brothers Morris (Jackie) and Jerry (Dixie); his sister Truus; brothers-in-law Yves (Ronni), Denis (Cheryl) and Gilles (Tina); Christine’s children: Diane Weening-Arsenault (Russell), Anthony Bastiaansen (Pearl), and Denise Block (Neil); grandchildren: Maija, Mark, Amaris (Richard) and Aiden Weening; Jacobus and Teagan Bastiaansen, and Arika, Lauren and Dane Block; and their families; sister-in-law Sheila Pyne (Mike); numerous nephews and nieces, and many treasured friends.

John was predeceased by his first wife, Celeste, his son Robert, his parents, parents-in-law, 5 siblings: Diny, Anny, Mebius, Anny, Elly; and 3 siblings-in-law.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care John received from the doctors and nursing staff during his stay at the Chinook Regional Hospital and at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.