Passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, February 18, 2005 at the age of 64. John was born in Vienna, Ontario on December 25, 1940 and raised in Woodstock, Ontario until he moved to Searchmont, Ontario in 1958. John retired from Algoma Steel on December 28, 2002, with 28 years of service as a 3rd class stationary engineer in the boiler house. Beloved husband of Elna. Cherished father of Nancy Hazzard (Doug), Suzanne LaForge (Carl) and Laurie Warren (Scott). Loving grandfather of Andrew, Keith, Jessica, Karli and the late Jeffrey. Brother of Melvin (Donna) and the late William (Pam). Son of the late William and Lorna LaForge. Brother-in-law of Roger Blackburn, Barbara Halligan (Late Merv), Jim Blackburn (Valerie), Karl Hult ( Helvi), Gunner Hult ( Linda), Elsie Hagemeister (Max), Kristin Smylie (Bob), Helen Kalliojarvi (Milton) late Marguerite Stewart (late Ed), late Don Blackburn (Kathy) and the late Ingrid Brown. John will be missed by many nieces and nephews, friends and his dog, Pee-Wee. Friends may call at the Zion Lutheran Church, 189 Upton Road on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 from 11 a.m. until time of the service at 12 p.m. Reverend Krister Ulmanis officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Clinic or the Searchmont Community Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) would be appreciated by the family.
