John Walter Blaylock

John Walter Blaylock was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan on August 13, 1946. He passed away peacefully at Fort Macleod Extendicare after a long struggle with dementia in the early morning hours of August 25, 2021, just 12 days after celebrating his 75th birthday with family.   

John was raised on a farm close to Windthorst, Saskatchewan. His entire career was print related. From running a press to managing a print shop, to sales and finally owning his own business, he loved what he did. His motto was: “work hard, play hard.”

John married Karon Donison in Regina in 1970 and after their first son, Kevin, was born, they moved to Lethbridge. Their second son, Michael was born a few years later. In 1986 they divorced and in 1990, he married Audrey Stickel.

Fishing and hunting occupied a lot of John’s time. There was the planning, the trips, then talking about the memories and looking at the pictures until the next season. He crossed a few things off his bucket list in his later years - a deep sea fishing trip and a couple of big trophy hunts.

John and Audrey were lucky to travel to many destinations including one dream vacation to Australia. But Mexico was their favorite. The last trip in 2018 was difficult due to his declining health but memorable none the less. On that trip they found the place they liked the best and had circumstances been different would have spent the balance of their vacations there.

Becoming a grandfather was a highlight for John. He referred to Seth and Oliver as the “little guys” and talked about them often. The entire family went on numerous fishing trips and to Disneyland in 2016.

Retirement meant getting up early to meet the guys for coffee and solve the world’s problems. He made some good friends at Tim’s, but sadly they passed away one by one.

While still at home, he kept up with current events and although Covid was a challenge with not being able to go out much, he accepted it and made the best of life at home.

John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Audrey, his son Michael (Carmella), and his two grandsons Seth and Oliver, and their mother Donna. Other family members include his brother Barry (Linda), sister-in-law Angela, brother-in-law Ron Stickel, ex-wife Karon and numerous nieces and nephews.

     John was predeceased by his father Jack, his mother Edna, his son Kevin and his brother Ronald.

     A special thank you to the staff at Ford Macleod Extendicare for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a child food program.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.