John MAYELL

MAYELL, John Frederick
June 12, 1916 - February 27, 2012
John Mayell of Calgary, AB passed away at the age of 95 years, after a life well lived. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends, former students and colleagues. John is survived by his son, Jack Mayell (Megan); granddaughter Nytasha; great- granddaughter Jazmine; daughter Lynda Colgan (Brian); grandsons, Michael (Nicole) and Steven; and sister Dorothy Mainwaring. He was predeceased by wife Helen; grandson Kogi and sisters, Margaret and Mary. John was born and raised in Calgary. He attended King George and Crescent Heights schools excelling in sports, especially hockey. After going to Normal School, he taught in Lousanna and New Dayton becoming very well known for his teaching and coaching skills. He met and married the love of his life, Helen Vallery in 1940. They lived in the Roberts family home and son Jack was born in December, 1942. John left teaching at Rideau Park to join the RCAF training to be a navigator. During the war, he was overseas for three years with the RAF teaching navigation in England. On his return, John went to U of A, Edmonton and University of Washington. Seattle to further his education. He worked several jobs as well as attending classes to be able to afford to have Helen and son Jack with him. In 1948, they returned to Calgary for the birth of Lynda. John taught at Western Canada High School achieving great success with his various sports teams. In 1953, he became Supervisor of Physical Education and Director of Athletics for the Calgary Board of Education. His career then focused on sport for youth. He was a founding member of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association, an active participant in the Calgary Booster Club and inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Besides his teaching career, John spent ten summers as Director of Kamp Kiwanis using his leadership skills with staff to provide a memorable camp experience to hundreds of underprivileged children. He was also a committed and faithful member of St. Matthew's United Church giving generously of his time and talents. John's family was important to him. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments and reveled in the activities and achievements of his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Retiring in 1978, John and Helen travelled extensively, making many lasting friendships as well as spending time together at their cabin on Lake Windermere. John loved to garden, golf and curl. He organized the senior's drop-in curling until he was 90 years old! He lived in his own home, moving to Royal Park at the age of 91. Last May John broke his hip and moved to long- term care at Chinook Park and then the Colonel Belcher. The family is grateful to the care centre staff as well as companion Wendy for their caring attention to John. John Mayell was an exceptional individual who made a difference in so many lives because he went beyond what was expected of him. He truly cared about others and loved his family, his work and life with a passion tempered by his sense of humour. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing at LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME (corner of 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W.) today, March 2, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St. Matthew's United Church (2035 - 26A Street S.W.) on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's memory may be made to Kamp Kiwanis, 241001 Range Road 42, Calgary, AB T3Z 3X5 or to St. Matthew's United Church, 2035 - 26A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T3E 2B9. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.leydens.com . Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM (304 - 18 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB). Telephone: 403-228-4422.