John Leonard Knutson1914 - 2011John Leonard Knutson of Calgary passed away peacefully at the Carewest Colonel Belcher Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the age of 96 years. John was born November 4, 1914 at Spalding, SK to Ole Johan and Marie Albertine (Olson) Knutson. John's father died shortly before he was born. He lived with his mother and three older sisters, Amanda, Annie, and Clara on the family homestead until his mother bought a home in Naicam, a new town nearby. John attended school there and played hours of hockey on frozen ponds and rinks. John began his career as a salesman in Saskatoon where he met and married Lyda Belliveau on May 14, 1942 one month before he shipped out with the RCOC, Canadian Armed Forces to England. During the war, John put his retail skills to good use managing a store distributing supplies to Canadian soldiers. Back home, Lyda worked in Saskatoon until she and John were reunited three and a half years later on December 15, 1945. Their family grew to include two daughters: Cheryl, born February 26, 1947 and Judy, born July 4, 1950. The family moved to 4123 - 17 Street SW in Calgary in August, 1951. The foursome tented every summer throughout the United States and Canada in the summers when John wasn't tending his beautiful garden. When the girls left the family home, John and Lyda began travelling overseas. John worked for the Hudson's Bay Company for 42 years, first in Saskatoon before the war and later in the downtown Calgary store. He had a friendly gentle way with customers that earned him many compliments. John retired November 30, 1979 but soon after, he was called upon to take up a position as an Assistant Store Manager in Banff for three years. During that time, Lyda passed away on September 22, 1980. John married Claudia (Jestin) Ponath of Naicam, SK on October 10, 1981. He retired again on October 2, 1982. The couple enjoyed traveling and golfing together until John moved to Parkland Place, a long-term care facility at Melfort, SK in Feb.,2008. John returned to Calgary last spring when he became a resident of the Carewest Colonel Belcher. John was a generous man with a gift for telling stories. He had many friends who could always count on his terrific sense of humor. His spirit is alive in the personalities of his twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. John is survived by his two daughters: Cheryl Schuett (Bob) and Judy Lefebre (Harry), both of Calgary; by his twelve grandchildren: Jennifer (Dick), Karen (Chris), John (Lindsey), Rebecca (Ryan), Robbie (Lena), Megan, Michelle (Scott), Chad, Taylor, Sheri (Joel), Joe and Mike and by his great-grandchildren: Robyn, Blake, Abby, Burke, Grace, Ava, one year old Jackson and also close friends: Brian, Linda, Paddy, Donna, Don, Lyle, Terry and Burt. The family wishes to sincerely thank all the staff for the excellent care that John received at the Carewest Colonel Belcher over the last year. If friends so desire, donations may be made directly to Vets Angels (#145- 251 Midpark Boulevard SE, Calgary ,AB T2X 1S3, 403 -257 -0875). A Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home on May 4, 2011. To email expressions of sympathy: mountainview@arbormemorial.com Subject heading: John Knutson. Arrangements entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1605 - 100 Street SE (17 Ave. SE at Garden Rd.), Calgary AB, T1X 0L4. www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.