JOHN WILLIAM STRATTON

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing John William Stratton. A gregarious, fun loving father to Caleb, Maya, and Jasmine, and soulmate to Fran.

Johnny was an artist and through his drive for perfection, created the most beautiful things including, but not limited to, wood furniture and toys for his children. He was very skilled with sewing and he embroidered Celtic knots on jean jackets for himself and his three kids.

After Caleb was born, he knew he needed a space for his growing family and with his own hardworking hands he set to work building an eco-friendly, solar powered home which included a root cellar to store food in the winter, a well so we had access to our own water, and a sauna. Johnny had an immense appreciation for beauty and found it everywhere in nature. He could always point out a rainbow after a thunderstorm. He felt completely at home in the bush. He showed all his children many edible plants that we could eat if we were ever lost in the woods.

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He loved art in every form and encouraged the people around him to express themselves artistically which took the form of singing, dancing, carving, painting, drawing, just to name a few.

He was a great performer and loved to entertain. He was in two fringe plays, the first, Politically Correct Bedtime Stories, and more recently, Boomer Love, which he co-wrote, and stared in. Johnny had a great sense of humor and could find the hilarity in many situations.

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He loved to laugh and could take a joke at his own expense better than most. One April fool’s day, his 13-year-old son got help to hide Johnny’s car while Johnny watched his two daughters in a play. Regardless of the upset that Johnny felt when he believed his car had been stolen, he was delighted when he found out that his son had tricked him.

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John had an adventurous spirit, and he loved to travel. Some of his favorite trips were taken with his sweet heart Fran and he was always excited to share pictures and stories of their tropical vacations. One evening in Mexico, while Fran and John were sharing a romantic dinner, John called over the mariachi to serenade Fran with the tender love song ‘Bésame Mucho’. They couldn’t help but notice how distraught the singer looked while singing to them. It was only later when they translated the lyrics that they realized that John had, by mistake, requested a break up song.

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Johnny came from a very hard upbringing and was determined to be a better father then his own. To which he greatly succeeded. John was a hard person in many ways, he also had a soft side and showed so much love and compassion to his fellow humans. It wasn’t often that he would walk past a homeless person without buying them a meal.

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He became involved in the indigenous community and their customs and was eager to share the beautiful teachings he practiced. He was most calm and at peace when he was near a sweat lodge or participating in sun dance.  While there he made many dear friends that he held so close to his heart.

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John cared so much about people, and even though he tried, he wasn’t always able to communicate these feelings.

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Johnny will be missed immensely by his partner in life and love, Fran Stewart. And how he often chose to introduce us “the fruit of his loins” Caleb Ackerman-Stratton (Sindy), Maya Ackerman-Stratton (Kory), Jasmine Ackerman-Stratton (Chris), His Grandchildren whom he cherished spending his time; Maddison, Noah, Connor, Emily and one on the way. His sisters, Jonina and Dawn, His nieces and nephews, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

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He will remain alive in our thoughts, our memories, and our hearts. Its truly been a pleasure. Until next time.

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A celebration of John's life will be held between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church)

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In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

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Donations can be made through the CMHA website (please leave “in memory of John Stratton” in the comment box.), in person at 930 Portage Avenue, or over the phone at 204-982-6100

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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