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22 Entries
Mike McAdam
May 14, 2010
Loreal and family, it was my pleasure and good fortune to work with John at the U of C for many years. He was a constant source of good ideas when we were going through the very tough financial times in the early 80's, and his wisdom and clear thinking helped the U of C emerge from that time as a better place, with as little damage to staff numbers as was possible under those very trying circumstances. He was always calm and cheerful, a steady hand on the tiller, no matter what troubles we faced. My wife Wendy and I are saddened by your loss, please accept our deepest sympathies.
Jason Laycock
May 10, 2010
I worked with John at Direct Energy at U of C. He always had a smile on his face, sound advice, a kind word, and a fabulous motorcycle story. I am better person to have met John, he is a true inspiration and the news of his passing saddens me. My heart and thoughts go out to Heslip Family
Gary Gillan
May 10, 2010
To the whole of the Heslip family, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of John. John and I worked together at UofC (the Direct Energy) and immediately had a bond due to me being Scottish and him loving Scotland. Every time we spoke he put on what he thought was a great Scottish accent, but because he was such a great guy I didn't bother telling him it was more Irish than Scottish! The last time we chatted he was loving his retirement and enjoying his new business in the doggy day care. I was shocked and saddened at his departure, and I hope that you guys gain some comfort in knowing how great a guy he was and the fact that he touched so many lives during his lifetime.
Bonnie Bray
May 8, 2010
I worked with John at the U of C for many years, and John, and I retired around the same time. What a wonderful man, so thoughtful. He will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
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May 8, 2010
Dear Loreal and family,
My heart truly goes out to you in this time of sorrow. I was deeply saddened to learn of your loss. I am sure that you have many happy memories to hold close to your hearts. God bless you and comfort you at this time. With deepest sympathy, Lore Hewson
Raymond Eagles
May 8, 2010
I cuddled your tiny body in my arms as an infant and watched you take your first steps. We played together every day when I arrived after school making snowmen,running and playing games. We ended each day with a big hug and tears as we had to say goodbye. In these primary years a loving bond grew between us that will never end.
John grew up with a great respect for nature, animals and above all people. He treated everyone with the same gentle, loving way; to know him was to love him.
John was always a fun loving guy, with an unbelievable zest for life. We especially remember the days at the Heslip cottage at Lora Bay when John's Grandpa took him out on the surfboard. John decided to take a chair and a newspaper. Away they went with John reading a newspaper, sitting on a chair on the surfboard. He had no fear! This is only one of our many memories of John.
Through the years, although many miles apart, we always cherished his Christmas newsletter and his chatty telephone calls which revealed his endless love for his wife and family.
Go now with God, John, in Peace and Love. You will live in our hearts for ever.
With all our love and sympathy to the Family, Aunt Sheila and Uncle Ray.
May 8, 2010
Never forgotten, always missed, thank you for the memories John
James Han
Tile setter
UofC Maintenance Department
John Ferguson
May 7, 2010
I worked with John for many years at the U of C. He was a decent and kind man who was there for me and my family through a difficult time in our lives. He was a great role model and extremely hard worker and a great guy. With deepest sympathy to your family.
Grant Smith
May 7, 2010
I am saddened by the news of John's passing. Sincerest condolences to Loreal and the family. I have such great memories of the motorcycle trips with John throughout the 1990s - these will never be forgotten. He always spoke kindly of others. His cheerful and friendly demeanour was infectious. With thoughts and prayers...

May 7, 2010
Too soon, too young.
So loved, admired, and respected... a wonderful spirit, soul.
John remains.
Diane Brazeau
U of C Lock & Key Shop
Brenda and Dave Frame
May 6, 2010
We were so sorry to hear about John passing away... He was a wonderful neighbour and friend and we know he will be missed terribly. Please know that we are available to help Loreal in any way she needs. xoxo
Keith Gill
May 6, 2010
To the Heslip family.
I worked for John for over 10 years as he hired me in 1989 to work at the University and i always found him to be a very caring compassionate man who I enjoyed working for very much. John will be greatly missed by myself and countless others.
All the best to John's family at this very sad time.
Danielle Bray
May 6, 2010
Such a sweet man, such a big void.
Thinking of you.
May 6, 2010
I came to work at the UofC on the DEBS project in February of 2006. It was while I was there I met John. He had a way of making one feel at ease even if the situation seemed highly charged. I only met John a few times as sometime shortly after I started he moved on but he did stop back accasionally to say high. I wish I had got to know him better, I'm certain he was a wonderful man. The world is a little bit sader without him in it. My thoughts go to his family at this very sad time. Time is the only thing that truely heals. I wish Loreal the best, get your children close and rely on each other.
Murray Williams
Paddy Campbell
May 6, 2010
I started working at the University after John had left his position of Manger as Operations and Maintenance but his reputation remained clear and strong. Fortunately he did return to U of C at a later date and I had the pleasure of working with him. It did not take long to realize that John was a truly good soul and left a lasting impression on all who knew him. I know that he will be deeply missed by everyone.
Marilyn Friedmann
May 6, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss and the loss of my amazing cousin John.
I think of all of you often and greatly enjoyed visiting with you back in 2005. I have always been thankful for John - for the joy that he emanated, the love that he showed, for his sense of fun, his love of family and of life. My Mother adored John completely and she treasured his last trip home and the time he took to visit with her - gently holding her hand and restoring joy to her eyes. My favourite memory is of all of you at Lora Bay one summer when we were all much younger. It was a stifling hot night and we all ended up cooling off in the lake late in the night. John and Loreal's laughter and sense of fun was infectious that night and very memorable.
John's passing weighs heavily on the many people whose lives he touched. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
With all my deepest love, Marilyn
Ada Routly
May 6, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Heslip family. John was a wonderful, loving part of you all and will be missed terribly. Hold those happy memories close to your heart....where he will remain forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Saara Bain
May 6, 2010
To the Heslip Family,
I was saddened to hear about John's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts.
BJ Thiessen
May 6, 2010
I was so sorry to learn of John’s death, and unfortunately am unable to attend the gathering on Saturday - my thoughts and prayers will be with you as you celebrate his life. John & I would spend many hours in the racquetball courts at the UofC, attempting to ward off excess lbs & keep the aging body moving. He was always a gentleman and even in the courts would encourage a rally, allowing me to get a few points - we both knew he could end the game at any given time! He loved his family more than life itself and has left a huge gap that can only be partially filled with the wonderful memories you shared. May God grant you peace.
Eric, Jen & Evan Morrison
May 6, 2010
Everyone that met John immediatly felt how welcoming and relaxing an individual he was. We were very saddened to hear of his passing, but are happy to have such nice memories of the time we did spend with John.
Brenda Wenk
May 6, 2010
Loreal and Family,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Always
Brenda and Wolf Wenk and Family
Craig Smith
May 6, 2010
I worked for and with John at the University. The one thing I will remember about John is how calm and caring he was in every situation, he was a kind and giving person. John will be sorely missed, please accept my deepest sympathies.
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