Obituary of Johannes "John" Henricus Groenen
October 24, 1929 - June 3, 2021
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE for John will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Shellbrook Community Hall. There will be a time of lunch and fellowship to follow the service.
Johannes "John" Henricus Groenen passed away peacefully in the Shellbrook Hospital on June 3rd, with his family by his side.
John was born on October 24th, 1929 in Houten, Holland.
John was the son of Cees and Maria. He grew up with 2 brothers, and 4 sisters.
Following school, John went to Trade School for Mechanics at the age of 14 and then completed a Business administration night course while he working as a foreman in a garage.
He met his first Canadian when the Allies liberated Holland in 1945.
This impression and the lure of Canadian immigration would direct John to take his new bride Alida (Ida) -Peeters across the ocean to Canada in 1954.
They landed in Quebec, travelled across the prairies landing in Saskatchewan. Fellows Brothers Garage in Shellbrook just happened to be looking for a Dutch mechanic, preferably married. The match was made, and John and Ida have lived in Shellbrook since June 1954.
John worked as mechanic; Ida was a hairdresser.
After working with Burt and Ralph Fellows, he moved across the street to be the shop foreman for Cliff Moss at the Dodge dealership. In 1973 John, along with Ken Elliot and Gary Buckingham, purchased the shop, and were awarded a General Motors dealership and ‘Shellbrook Chev Olds’ was born.
John and Ida raised their three children in Shellbrook: Robert, Harry and Yvonne.
Though out his years in Shellbrook, John could be found in the corn-on-the-cob booth on many July 1st , celebrations, building a Elk’s Hall, an essential member of the building committee for the new Shellbrook Community Rink, sitting on Town Council and forming the long standing Business Improvement District. John’s passion and commitment to the community was acknowledged when he was honoured with the Long Service Award in 2016.
John and Ida retired in 1986 and filled their days with building a cabin, travelling the States, wintering in Victoria, and enjoying their family.
After Ida passed away in 2010, John found his passion for community renewed. He often remarked that the Shellbrook Seniors Association was the lifesaver he needed at the time. Not only did he find community involvement, he also found the wonderful companionship of Adeline.
His strong mind and body allowed him to have an active and fulfilling life to the day he passed.
He will be forever missed by children: Robert (Kathy), Harry (Susan) and Yvonne; grandchildren: John (Serena), Marshall, Chris (Christine), Billy (Becky), Luke (Tracy), Blayne (Teri). Brittney (Jamie), Tammi (Joe); great grandchildren: Burton, Layla, Noah, Haegan, Bella, Aubree, Jase, Ciera, Cole, Devlin, McKenzie, Nathaniel, and Clarice: and his companion Adeline.
The family would like to thank the staff at Shellbrook Hospital as they went above and beyond.
In lieu of tributes memorial donations may be made in memory of John to the Shellbrook Seniors Association, Shellbrook SK.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral home and Crematorium. Shellbrook, SK. 306-747-2828.
