top of page

John Bain

Image by Nick Andréka

JOHN HECTOR BAIN

1943-2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Hector Bain after a battle with Lewy Body dementia. With family and friends by his side, John passed away at the age of 79.

 

Left to cherish his memory are his children Cathie (Ryan); son Michael, as well as many family members and a great number of dear friends. John was predeceased by his wife Geri and his parents Hector and Phyllis Bain. 

 

John grew up in Winnipeg and spent his younger years playing hockey, football and staying active in many different activities. At 18 years old, John followed in his fathers’ footsteps and joined the Winnipeg Police Service in 1961. He served in several Divisions and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. One of his highlights was his time spent in Vice fighting the drug scene. John proudly served with the Winnipeg Police Service for almost 30 Years. During his time on the force he spent countless hours with many that he was proud to call lifelong friends. After retiring in 1990, it didn’t take John long to decide a life of leisure was not for him and decided on a second career in Security and surveillance with Manitoba Lotteries. During his time with lotteries, he worked at Crystal Casino and Club Regent where he made more lifelong friends, and created more memories.

 

During the many years of his career, John and Geri had the retirement dream of leaving the cold behind and moving to British Columbia, spending winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and summers at their cottage on Lake of the woods. In 2004, this dream came true. John’s retirement bucket list was simple; travel, enjoy time with family & friends, enjoy drinks on the deck, see the New England Patriots play and live his best life.  He managed to check off all of his boxes and more.

 

John and Geri spent many wonderful summers at the family cottage on Lake of the Woods. The cottage was his most cherished possession. When he wasn’t there, he was looking forward to being there. It was where many projects were planned and accomplished. Where sunrise coffees started his day, drinks with family and friends filled his day and soaking in sunsets finished his day. When winter came, the only ice was in his drink. He loved to travel and saw many fabulous destinations. It was fun to travel with him through his stories. But it was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that had a special place in his heart and blessed him with friendships very dear to him. 

 

All who knew dad, knew he had a big heart.  He touched many lives and was the life of the party.  Dad always had a one liner at the ready, and could tell a story like no one else. He seemed to know people where ever he went and always made time for a chat, even if he didn’t. To dad, a stranger was a friend he hadn’t met yet. His life was blessed with so many life long friends and many that became like family. 

 

The next time you raise a glass, please think of our dad, your friend and his life well lived.

 

In keeping with our dads wishes, cremation has taken place. His family will be organizing a celebration of his life, the date will be announced at a later date. 

The family encourages the sharing of your stories, photos and your memories by using the comment section on this tribute page.  

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

8 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Ulysse Labossiere

October 26, 2023 at 11:21 AM

A wonderful man and friend.  Helped keep me out of trouble. I shall never forget the great person he was. His name came to me in a dream last night and i had to look him up. Old Southdale friends..

Lynda and Wade Wawryk

May 8, 2023 at 11:28 AM

I also remember Hector very clearly, he was an absolute gentleman, always calm and measured with a friendly demeanor, no matter who he was addressing. The apple fell close to the parental tree, John was a good man, a great police officer and did not ever forget anyone. He and Rob changed their workplace with their daring and intelligent methods, the Morality/Vice Division grew up as a result of their bold innovations. Having also met Geri several times, and they were a match, well deserving each other. And look to my left, still a pleasant smile, a handsome guy!

Richard 'Dick' Hickling

May 7, 2023 at 2:49 PM

It has been sad to hear of John's struggle as his life has been painful for too long.  He was a believer that he would be in a better place when he passed.  I knew his dad Hector and mother Phyllis, who were constant attendees at the several years we had the annual West Coast Police Reunions.  Before Hector retired, he asked me to take a photo of him in uniform with the pre-amalgamation Winnipeg Police badge on the uniform cap.  That was accomplished in the Fort Garry Police Crime Lab using the camera there in the early stages of amalgamation when I first got to know Hector in District Six.  As Hector retired and lived in Surrey, B.C., we would have coffee together and were asked for tea with Phyllis and he at their home,  When Hector passed away, there was a gathering which include my wife Mary and I.  On feature display was the 8 X 10 photo I had taken of Hector in uniform in 1974.   John had purchased a townhouse in the same complex as his mom and dad and he and Geri would live there and travel to Mexico in the winter.  One evening at a get-together at our home in South Surrey, John and Geri were there along with Ron Kushneryk and Bev Mehmel. I asked Geri if her given name was Geraldine ?  It was, and I told her the only person I knew as Geraldine was Geraldine Turncliff who was a student at Riverview School, in Fort Rouge.  She responded, “That was me.”  On occasion, Cliff Morriissey and I would meet John for a coffee at Starbucks only half a block from where he lived.  The last time we went for a pub lunch at a bar also near his home.  At that time we learned that Geri was not well.  John and Geri would take their last Mexican holiday in 2014, as Geri’s doctor OK’ed her to travel.  It was some time thereafter that I heard that Geri did pass away and John moved back to Manitoba.  John was a likeable guy on the job and off. Dick Hickling

Roberta Beach

May 6, 2023 at 5:54 PM

Sorry to see the announcement Cathie and Michael. I have many memories from Police days, watching you kids grow up, and socializing in general. Sorry to read about the dementia. It's like losing a dear family member twice. Roberta Beach 

Barb MacDonald

May 6, 2023 at 4:36 PM

John was our neighbour at the lake for close to 20 years. Every summer we would reconnect to discuss the Bombers, water levels at LOTW, and the best spots to go fishing-  often over a beer or margarita!  Rest in Peace old friend! Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Barb MacDonald & John Langstaff

Jack Tinsley

May 6, 2023 at 12:28 PM

I had some great times in my several years in the Drug Squad . John kept all of us laughing and supplied with escargots. A super good guy and a great friend. Rest easy my brother. 

Judy Hall (Quail)

May 6, 2023 at 9:38 AM

John was an usher at my wedding 60 years ago last week.  Once the marriage ended, I lost touch with John.  But I do remember what a kind, good friend he was.  My condolences to the family.

Earl Johnson

May 6, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Condolences to the family. Knew John from work and he was a super guy.  RIP
DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

bottom of page