Obituary of Reverend-John Middleton

Middleton, Reverend Inspector John RCMP (rtd.) Born: Winnipeg, MB July 10, 1934 Died: Comox, BC, February 3, 2007 It is with great sadness and a sense of joy that we his family acknowledge the passing of our husband, father and grandfather into the arms of his heavenly Father. John was a deeply spiritually man who respected the beliefs of others, but he never wavered in his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he loved and trusted Him to the end. He will be ever loved and mourned by his beloved and loving wife of 50 years Rita Middleton; his children, TerryAnne (Chris) Papiernik, John (Cindy) Middleton, Kevin (Elizabeth) Middleton, Kent (Maarit) Middleton; his grandchildren, Erin, Heather, Jason, Jalynn, Rachel, Sarah, Dora, Sofia and Ben; his sisters-in-law, Emily Tenwolde and Millie Smedley; and brother-in-law, Raymond Quann (Christine); and many cousins. John loved his family and was very proud of them. He was interested in all that went on in their lives and encouraged them whenever he could. He delighted in their many visits and our family celebrations. He wrote many poems for his family; especially for his beloved Rita. John loved to sing, dance, and perform; he was an avid reader, he had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a great sense of humor. He always had time for a coffee and a visit with his family and friends. He served proudly in the RCMP for 29 years and continued serving as chaplain to the Saskatoon RCMP Veterans for several years. One of the highlights of his life was serving as the first chaplain to the Saskatoon Police Service. He felt blessed, by the Lord, when called to serve as an Anglican priest. He was dedicated to the Lord and loved sharing His word. His ministry touched the lives of many people, not only at his beloved church home St. Stephen's, but also in hospital ministry, senior's residences and care homes. John loved people and offered prayers, comfort, compassion and hugs to all. He had an aura of strength and was a very open, honest and generous person. During the past 25 years he suffered poor health. In the last few years his health declined rapidly. He had aged far beyond his years and was not able to participate in life as he would have liked. He left us quickly and peacefully with family at his side; he was ready for the journey home. John was predeceased by his parents, Bud and Dora Middleton; his birth mother, Irene Gilbertson; his in-laws, Aloysius and Bertha Quann and his brothers-in-law, Jonathan and Bill Quann. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday February 10, 2007 at 1:30 p.m., St. Stephen's Anglican Church, 10 Grosvenor Crescent, with the Rev. Don Byrt and The Venerable Lawrence Mitchell officiating. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy can be emailed to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com Arrangements in care of the Saskatoon Funeral Home, 244-5577.