Obituary of John Henry Bolin
It is with sincere sadness that we announce the passing of John Henry Bolin on January 20th, 2024, at the age of 96.
John was born in 1927 in Fahler, Alberta. Adopted at a young age, his childhood was spent on the family farm in the Munson area. He was always busy breaking horses and tending crops. He loved farming and he was very good at it, winning awards for his crop tending. Farm life never left John, as his love for tractors was evident in his home. Since the gift of an authentic 1927 John Deere tractor on his 65th birthday, John continued to own and rebuild tractors for years with the help of his friends.
As time went on, money was needed to provide for his growing family, so John worked in numerous trades including: oil rigs, railroad work, hardware repair, as an electrician, managing a coin laundry, and even as a Disc Jockey! Eventually he found his love driving a truck, working for Uncle Ben’s in Red Deer. He would go on to own his own company, John Bolin Trucking, delivering mobile homes. “Grandpa Big Truck” kept working well into his 80’s.
John loved spending summers at Wilderness Village; living the simple life in an RV and enjoying the firepit with a coffee or drink in hand. He met many people and made countless friendships during his years at Wilderness. During the winter, he could usually be found in his workshop building woodworking projects for family and friends. John was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and the Red Deer Legion.
Throughout John’s life, hockey was a leading pastime. He played the game as a young man, was a Referee at Alberta Amateur Hockey, and had a chance to attend an NHL Referee tryout. The Calgary Flames were his favourite team, he never missed a game, and was a great armchair referee and coach.
Left behind to mourn their loss are his wife of 54 years, Evelyn, his children Paulette (Tom) Eccleston, Wilma Fagnon, Tom (Laurie) Bolin, Christine (Doug) McAlister, Bernice (David), Doug (Laureen) Bolin, Suzanne (Wayne) Ouellette, Ray (Lisa) Bolin, Kelly (Jackie) Bolin, Monika Bolin, Rosanne (Stan) Lieskovsky, Glenda Hall, Carla Woolman, Heather (Dave) Stewart; his three surviving siblings Theresa, Jeanette, and Charles; 36 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John was predeceased by his son James Bolin Smart; son-in-law Douglas Hall; sisters Lucille and Annette; brothers Frank, Joseph, Henri, Phillip, and Paul; and also, by Lucille Quigg
In respect to John’s wishes, there will not be a service, but a memorial will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Red Deer Minor Hockey Association at 4725 C 43 Street, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences to John’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Bolin” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944