John Alexander Sligter

John was an Ontario boy at birth, who later became a resident of Holland, then Oregon and Florida before returning to British Columbia then Alberta to start his adult life. He loved to meet new people and experience the food and culture wherever he made his home, he was a dedicated Foodie as his photos will attest. He carried a distinct Southern drawl for a short time when he returned to Canada and a passion for seafood from his years in the South, along with a love of Blues music.

Married for 23 years to Ila and a dedicated father to Dillon and Jesse, John was a playful and enthusiastic teacher to his young family. Always finding new ways to engage, he loved to go camping, geocaching and hiking with extended family and friends. Long winters in Alberta gave John time to be creative with woodworking designs and renovations to the family homes. John was especially proud of the miniature train set he built and the race car track for his sons. His painting skills were fundamental in the home renovations, and he loved to try new texturing techniques with each home. The boys loved the street grid patterns he painted on the playroom floor which encouraged many hours of fun for the neighborhood kids who were drawn to his lighthearted Dad energy. John followed Nascar races faithfully and was a life-long LSU football fan.

John is survived by his sons Dillon and Jesse, his father John Sr. and family. He is predeceased by his sisters Theresa and Judy, and by his mother Anna-Marie. He had several extended family members throughout the USA and Canada who were lucky enough to have enjoyed his spirit while on this Earth.

John was a storyteller and frequently shared his experiences of life abroad and at home to friends around the dinner table or a blazing campfire. He shared tales of his trip to Africa with Ila, showing the hand-made drum and spears he acquired from a local after a long bargaining session on the beach in Mombasa. He was a natural in the water and loved to go snorkelling in the ocean.

A woodworking hobby turned to metal manufacturing as a career, after gaining his Red Seal as a CNC Machinist from NAIT. John excelled and continued to work at this, gaining credentials with every change in job assignments. He was excited to share his achievements with his family who were very proud of his dedication to the intricacies of the work. His collection of tools was vast, and his homes always displayed an assortment of creative and useful items forged from metal.

His family miss him dearly but are comforted with the memories of fun times, affection given freely and a wonderful collection of pictures, videos and sounds of his laughter which bring his spirit to our hearts where he remains.