John Kinsman

John Kinsman

John Kinsman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 30 to Jun. 1, 2009.
KINSMAN , John It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Fyfe Kinsman on May 29, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Linda Raasveldt, daughters Katherine McVicar (Tyler), and Krista Flaman (Chad) and his much loved grandsons, Talyn and Kaysen Flaman. He is also survived by his parents, Eleanor and James Kinsman, brothers Jim Kinsman (Debbie), and Ian Kinsman (Carol), and sisters Anne Kinsman (Ian), Helen Bain and Dawn Swacha as well as Trudy Kinsman, the mother of his children, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was an athlete and scholar who played hockey with the U of C Dinos and the Buffalo Sabres organization. He held BPE, BEd, and MEd degrees and was a Chartered Alberta Psychologist. He was a teacher and coach whose influence on young people was profound, both those at school and his own daughters and their friends who he coached to three Canadian Nationals Softball Championships. He served as the Chair of High School Football for several years and was recognized as Assistant Coach and Coach of the Year in football by The Calgary High School Athletic Association. John's coaching and leadership in high school football and girls' softball were also acknowledged by the Calgary Booster Club in 2003 when he was named an Honored Athletic Leader. John worked for the Calgary Board of Education for thirty-two years as a teacher and administrator at Crescent Heights, James Fowler, and John G. Diefenbaker High Schools prior to his retirement in 2005. As a result of his battle with cancer, John became a passionate advocate for research and improved access to existing cancer treatments. With his wife, he began a fundraising initiative that will provide money for a drug resistance testing project for bladder cancer patients at the Tom Baker Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers and in celebration of John's life, tax deductible donations may be made to this project through the Ride to Conquer Cancer (Sponsor Linda Raasveldt) www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Alberta2009?px=1821098&pg=personal&fr_id=1282 . A gathering to celebrate John's life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com . SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE & CREMATORIUM, 12700 Macleod Trail South, Calgary. Telephone: 403-297-0711. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial

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November 30, 2009

Ken Pratt posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2009

Natascha Fraser posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2009

Nicholas Fulcher posted to the memorial.

36 Entries

Ken Pratt

November 30, 2009

Mr. Kinsman was a renounding man He was the greatest Coach I can remember I had him as a coach at Diefenbaker High my 3 years there. I am sorry for his family as they lost a truley great man. I wouldn't be the man I am today if it was not for Mr. Kinsman he helped me with my school work and helped me with anything I needed.
Mr Kinsman you will be greatly missed by all.
Disko # 87

Natascha Fraser

August 15, 2009

Mr. Kinsman Was The Most Wonderful Person. He Helped Me Through Alot Of Hard Times During My Years At Diefenbaker. His Spirit Will Fly On. Rest In Peace Sir. My Thoughts Are With All Who New Him. Heaven Has Received Yet Another Angel.

Nicholas Fulcher

June 23, 2009

Mr. Kinsman was a great man, very reasonable. Thanks to this man I continued on to graduate from Diefenbaker. He always displayed true passion for education and the school’s student’s success. He will be a great loss to the educational community. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and especially his amazing wife!

Howard Robertson

June 9, 2009

Linda,

I am very saddened to hear about John. I played hockey with and against him on Friday afternoons for many years, and as a goalie, it was always re-assuring to know he was on your side, protecting you from the foe. He was a gentleman of strong integrity and kindness. May you know that his spirit surrounds you always.

Ryan Ames

June 9, 2009

I was a student at Crescent Heights in the early 1990's. Mr. Kinsman had the unfortunate task of being the assistant principal that I had to answer to. I spent a lot of time in his office and we spent a great deal of it talking about my future... Mostly against my wishes. I didn't enjoy a lot of our visits as one can imagine but looking back now I am very thankful that someone took the time to teach me the importance of my education. He was more than a man at work just doing his job. He was a man whom cared about the impact he made on his students and from what I read here today that overflowed into every aspect of his life. Thanks for being the man you are Mr. Kinsman. You taught me more than you will ever know!

Melissa Ames

June 9, 2009

Mr. Kinsman was the most caring and understanding school administrator I have ever met. It's been 16 years since my CHHS grad but my respect for him has never faded. I send my sympathy to his family and friends. He has touched so many hearts!

Bobbi Waldner

June 8, 2009

Dear Linda,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies. I so enjoyed the time I worked with John at Diefenbaker High School. His gentle and wise demeanor, paired with his humor and easygoing nature made him a pleasure to work with, and I know he will be missed profoundly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jemie Field

June 6, 2009

I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Kinsman, I have many fond memories of him from my time at Diefenbaker. I'm sure he touched many lives through the years, and he will be fondly remembered and forever missed by all who knew him.

Jen McElroy Kulcsar

June 5, 2009

Dear Linda,

I am saddened to hear of John's passing, and remember him fondly from my high school years at Diefenbaker. My thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with you and your family.

Erin King (nee Dickey)

June 5, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss Linda. Mr. Kinsman profoundly impacted my life and the life of my brother, as well as many others, while we attended J.G. Diefenbaker. He was a very bright light in an otherwise dark world and will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are will you at this time.

Theresa Garagan

June 4, 2009

I was very saddened to learn about John's passing. He is a man I thought would live for ever. I had the honor of working with both John and Linda at Diefenbaker HS. He was an outstanding leader who will be missed by everyone he touched, Such an insurmountable loss.
Krista, what a brave article in the Herald.
My thoughts are with all of you,

Theresa Garagan (CPS)

Vanessa Bartlett

June 4, 2009

I am deeply saddened on hearing of the loss of Mr. Kinsman. He was my high school guidance councellor at Crescent in the 80's, and to be truthful, my best friend. I could talk to him about anything and he was always there for me no matter what. I managed to catch up to him again when he was at Diefenbaker, and it was so nice to get back in contact and catch up. My deepest condolences go out to his family...he was truly one of the best people I have ever met.

Travis and Michelle Stevens

June 3, 2009

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. John will be truly missed.

Ed & Sandra Kulyk

June 3, 2009

Dear Linda and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and all of your family! We were so very sorry to hear of the passing of John. We know how much he meant to you and all the wonderful things you did together! Ed really enjoyed being his teammate playing defense together for the Flaming A's for many years! He will be sorely missed! May all your precious memories of him help to give you strength at this difficult time.....We are thinking of you and share your grief!
Sincerely,
Ed & Sandra Kulyk

Terry Loschuk

June 2, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. John touched the lives of so many; he will be dearly missed. I have many fond memories of working with John at Diefenbaker.

Lucy Marken

June 2, 2009

Linda,

I have fond memories of working with John and with you at Dief. When I think of John I smile. John certainly left a positive, memorable imprint on our hearts and lives.

Dave Margach

June 2, 2009

John made the world a better place. My thoughts are with you.

Marco Golemme

June 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda and family. Rest in peace Mr. Kinsman, you will be deeply missed.

Owen and Sharon Fahey

June 1, 2009

We are very sorry to hear of the death of John. Linda, Trudy and other family members, please accept our deepest sympathies at this time. Our paths crossed a number of times through hockey and teaching.

June 1, 2009

Krista and Kate,
We are saddened to hear about your Dad. Our close friendship with your Mom and Dad goes back many years and although our connection diminished when we moved to Langley, our happy memories will endure.
Especially the golf, suppers and sunsets at Redwood Meadows.
Linda,
Although we never had the privilege of meeting you, please accept our deepest condolences. John and I went to highschool together, played hockey for many years, and raised hell together when we worked in the proshop at Shawnee Golf Course. Many years have passed but I will treasure those moments.
John was a very dear friend, mentor, athlete and humanitarian.
Pat & Linda Bennett, Langley B.C.

Karen & Paul Gillett

June 1, 2009

Dear Linda and family,
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your beloved John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Karen & Broc Robertson

June 1, 2009

Now rests a good man, a kind man, who enriched the lives of all who knew him. We will miss your humor, your courage and your love of life.

Gail Leyland

June 1, 2009

Linda - I am so sorry to hear about your loss - my thoughts are with you.

June 1, 2009

Linda and family - My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May you cherish the memories of one so dear to you. I treasure many fond memories of our time together at JG Diefenbaker.

Esther Epp, Calgary, AB

June 1, 2009

Linda, I extend my deepest condolences to you and John’s family on his passing after an illness so bravely borne. John’s loss will be sorely felt by the many whose lives he touched. I enjoyed getting to know John during our years together at Diefenbaker and I think of him often and fondly. May he rest in peace and may he live forever in your memories. With heartfelt sympathy, Ann Powell

Dave & Hazel Frick

June 1, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Shahid & Noureen Hameed

June 1, 2009

Linda - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow. John will always be remembered as a very kind soul who touched many lives.

June 1, 2009

Linda,
My deepest Sympathy to you and family at this most difficult time.
Linda Kennedy,Estrella del Mar

Linda and Dave Baker

June 1, 2009

Linda: We wish to extend our condolences on your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan Feldman

June 1, 2009

Please know that Steve and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Feldman ( Jack Cohen's sister)

Marg Rawlings

June 1, 2009

Linda - our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We appreciated getting to know John some years ago when Brad was a student at Diefenbaker. You will miss him - treasure your memories. Take care Linda. Herb & Marg Rawlings

Barb&Jerry Williams

June 1, 2009

Fond memories of a good man.

Jack Cohen

May 31, 2009

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. John touched so many lives. He will be fondly remembered.

Don and Susan Quinn

May 31, 2009

We grieve the loss of John and send our thoughts to Linda and his family at this time. Don will fondly remember many cribbage games with John and Susan will treasure the memory of John's smile and friendly personality.

Frances Chapman

May 31, 2009

Dear Linda - I am sorry to learn of your loss - its very difficult saying good bye to one's companion and partner.
I will be thinking of you in the coming days, take care of yourself
sincerely,

Debbie & John Norrie

May 31, 2009

To all of John's family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

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November 30, 2009

Ken Pratt posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2009

Natascha Fraser posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2009

Nicholas Fulcher posted to the memorial.