John enriched our lives since we first met him at Village Green English Country Dancers in the 1990s, and through dozens of music parties, at folk festivals near and far, hiking, Crainkie festivals, his weekly UMFM broadcasts, his promotion of locale music and musicians, and his endless well of folk music knowledge and musical tales. He is what community and conviviality are all about.

We would just like to say what a good friend John has been over the years. We first met him at MIFDA (Manitoba International Folk Dancing Association) and later selling farm fresh chickens, when he was still the ‘Chicken Lady’s Boyfriend’. We were honored to be invited to his wedding to Lynn and to their home sing-a-longs.

John was always a vibrant personality, always interested in music, dance, and the people around him. Both he and Lynn could be counted on to help a friend in need.

You have lived a good life John, touching the lives of many. You have left our world a better place because of the generosity of your soul. You will be missed.

Linda Olson/Andy Maurakis

Ah John dear john you fought so hard to stay alive but evil cancer took you far too soon.

John was a friend I meet through the winnipeg folk f nd the Winnipeg film group. Never judgemental, very loyal always helpful, John and I worked in the film industry and we spent a lot of time on the same projects along with Cathie and Milt. It was the best of times. In addition to his feature work he had a history of working on many independent projects. But the most serious calling in Johns life was music especially folk music. Everything to do with folk music john had a connection to , from volunteering at folk festivals to hosting the famous Planet Mainstage on 101.5 fm a saturday afternoon must hear (or stream it later) mixture of the best music around usually on a theme and often with a guest interview.

John was a good family man to boot ,supportive of his partner Lynne in her endeavors and constant companion of his grandchild Silas

There is so much to say about John and his exemplary life but I will end this by saying I love you john and I will never forget your generosity. Rest in peace brother

I was also one of the teenagers roaming the neighborhood hanging out at the Hammonds on Whytewold in the '60's. I lived a mile away, but I was accepted into the group. John was my best friend for many years until I moved away at 22. He was such a fun, kind, smart, gentle friend. I have so many fun and lovely memories of John, Bryan, Alana and all the gang, and especially with Mrs. Hammond’s smile and wit while drinking tea, playing in the snow, watching northern lights. So much joy, fun and laughter. His love of music dance, people and pets still brings me joy. I’ve added several photos to set the mood.

John and Lynn were among my first "new friendships" that I made when I moved to Winnipeg 8 years ago. When I think of John, I think of his warmth, kindness, humour, and generous spirit. He took such delight in music, and all the Arts in general. His enthusiasm and welcoming presence has enriched my life and the lives of many others. We miss him greatly.

A very kind, generous man, who brightened the world with his eclectic interests and talents. Music was in his bones - he pursued it in all its forms as dancer, singer, instrumenatalist and radio music host. He will be greatly missed in the Winnipeg music scene and by the many friends he so easily made. Condolences to Lynn and John's family.

John was a lovely guy, warm hearted, friendly, caring and musical. Over the years a group of us would get together periodically for lunch. Those lunches won't be the same now. Peace to you John and best wishes to your family.

John was an amazingly talented man. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him until later in life. I will always remember how kind and friendly he was. I enjoyed Irish Set Dancing with him at a local school a few years ago. For some reason the song "Caledonia" will always remind me of him. I was fortunate to attend many jam sessions with him. I will miss him and my condolences go out to the family.

John has been a dear life-long friend of mine since the Prentice family moved to Baffin Crescent. He was one of the funniest and most quick-witted people I have ever known and provided many laughs over the years. As teenagers there were so many of us roaming the neighbourhood and getting up to innocent fun -playing baseball in the "empty lots", skating on the huge rink in our back yard on Whytewold Road, walking or bicycling for miles, and John was always a part of that scene along with the rest of us baby boomers. He was always a welcome visitor to our home and our parents thought he was just wonderful - as he certainly was, and a heck of a lot of fun. As we grew older he became a Roadie for our band, Mantae, attending all our weekend gigs at various Community Clubs and at the St. James CivIc Centre, and hefting the heavy equipment that we needed for each performance. That was perhaps the beginning of his love for music, which he carried through his whole life. In the university years a large group of us enjoyed many lunches together at Tache Hall conversing about everything under the sun. As always John provided lots of laughs and witty commentary. He has always been like part of my family and will be so fondly remembered by us all.

Ralph Temple and I met John and Lynn at the Canmore Folk Festival over 20 years ago.Each year they volunteered and became our friends. After reading about John's many accomplishments, I see how very talented and humble he really was. We share his loss, knowing he was one of the best of our music-loving generation. He served music well and it served him. We will miss him. Love to Lynn and Family. ❤️

I metJohn back in the mid 80's when we were both going English Country Dancing. Our paths crossed in many places ever since. Music, Storytelling, song. International Dance, Folk Fest, Video recording. He was always interested in what I was doing and shared his love of findng new folk fests to attend besides Wpg's fest. When he wanted to interview SAND on his radio program, he went to great lengths to properly capture Phoebe's huge Taiko drum, Dave's guitar aand flute, and balence this with my voice and dulcimer. He was always warm, helpful, genuine....a real treasure! I miss you John.

Back in the day, John would always have my group on his radio show everytime we released a new album. John would always conduct the interview with utmost seriousness and attention to detail; not your typical college radio host. His professionalism and well-researched questions made me feel like a professional too, which is a real gift for a up and coming artist. I like to think John was an essential part of the Winnipeg music ecosystem by connecting fans to music, artists to their listeners, promoting shows, volunteering, and more. Thanks man!

John was a friend and a mentor and a hero of mine for 35 years. He was kind and passionate, patient and diplomatic, knowledgeable and silly. He was a beautiful soul who was impossible to dislike. I learned so much from him about television, music, and life. I'm grateful for all of it. He'll be in my heart and mind for as long as I'm here.

I first met John in 1981 as my sweet next-door neighbour on Lipton St. in Wolesely. Our paths crossed many times over the years, I took a course from him at the Winnipeg Film Group. He worked at Videon where I volunteered. When I volunteered on the Media Crew at the WFF John was the wise crew chief. John was always at folk music concerts, the Irish Club, folk dance and fiddle gatherings. John enthusiastically supported local folk musicians, including me, through his radio show. Thank you, John, for everything you've given the folk music community. You will be sorely missed.

John was such a dedicated Folk Fest volunteer, and he was very kind and encouraging to new FF volunteers. Condolences to his family and many friends.

I was sad to hear of John's passing..I met John through a mutual friend from the Gertude street days and it was the early 70's. At the 20th anniversry of the Winnipeg Folk Festival it was John ,me and one other who had worked all the festivals since the start. I did socialize with his group prior to every July at the festival, but I always looked forward to catching up at the Festival each year..I know he was a key player later on with the arts scene in Winnipeg..My condolences to the family...Always a friendly face..Ross Metcalfe..another old St james..er

Lynn,family and John's friends...sorry to hear of John's passing. My talented friend will now be free to continue his amazing journey to the next level of life...sound,stage and creativity. It was my pleasure to see him at many spots;fraternity reunions,visits in Winterpeg and in my area of Kimberley,BC. John and I got into a lot of fun and trouble together back in the '60's. Long may you run,....John Grease Prentice....hugs...Rob Smax McIntyre....

He was a very friendly and an honourable person! He was kind and a gentle soul. I loved dancing with John - "Irish dancing". He had great rythm. John loved coming out to social functions' to birthdays, get togethers and playing his ukele music. He always made you feel good.He was a real gentleman and made a person feel good With his infectious smile! John was happy soul when listening and playing music .Filomena

I remember John from my Videon Access days and his amiable sense of humour. Our paths crossed every ten years or so and he always seemed to have mantaned an even keel. Plugged his U of M radio show from time to time on my CKUW show, and reading his obit I realize we shared Air Cadets and Knowles School for Boys experience.