John M. Sorfleet

SORFLEET _ Lt. Col. (Retired) John M., CD, died suddenly, of a stroke, Friday, 22 July, 2005. Born November 17, 1924. Raised in the Red Lion Pub in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, until his father's death when he was 9 years old. John became a skilled piano player and accordionist in his teens, and joined the RAF at 18. He was sent to Canada for pilot training under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, where he met and married Evelyn, a member of the RCAF Women's Division. After his demobilization, they returned to Canada and settled in Manitoba, where John worked as an electrician before joining the RCAF. His postings included Saskatoon, Centralia, Bagotville, North Bay, Cold Lake, Ottawa, Downsview, Cape Canaveral, St. Hubert, Comox and Hall Beach (DEW Line). After retirement, he worked in the aviation industry and then rejoined the Canadian Forces, directing the British Columbia Air Cadet Glider Training Program before finally retiring in 1985. A friend to many, John was predeceased by his son, Captain Jim Sorfleet (m. Hope); and is survived by his loving wife Evelyn; children John (Bob, m. Elizabeth), Ken (m. Rosemary), and Marjorie (m. Roger); and five wonderful grandchildren: Winston, Dana, Christopher, Patrick and Katie. Our thanks to the doctors and nurses at VGH Emergency for their wonderful care. Instead of flowers, John and the family would prefer donations to the MS Society, in appreciation of granddaughter Dana Sorfleet. Memorial celebration of John's life to be held at First Memorial, Fraser and Kingsway, 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 27th. Reception at 2:00 p.m., at the Billy Bishop Legion, 1407 Laburnum Street.