Obituary of John Ahorner

Mr. John Ahorner of Botha passed away on July 7, 2014 at the age of 85 years after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Lodz, Poland on June 2, 1929, the youngest of three children to Johann and Martha Ahorner. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 and obtained his citizenship in 1959. He was a carpenter by trade and took great pride in his work on the Revelstoke Bridge before settling down in Calgary. In 1970, John along with his family, his wife Katie, and children Susan and Brian moved to Carstairs to begin farming. In 1976 they purchased land in the Botha area where they continued farming. John had many stories to share with his grandchildren…the adversities he faced in Poland during World War II and then his new start in Canada after the war. He treasured the trips down south with Katie and their close friends. John lost his wife in 1992 and continued to farm with his son Brian until 2001 when he sold the farm and retired in Botha. He then spent many happy years with Josie Hunter going on fishing trips and being involved with the Botha Seniors Activities Club, where he enjoyed floor curling, carpet bowling and visiting with his fellow seniors. He liked keeping busy working in the yard and garden. Most of all he cherished the serenity of country life. He will be dearly missed by his son Brian Ahorner of Innisfail; daughter Susan Dunbar of Calgary; grandchildren: Ryley of Innisfail, Stacy (Darian), Jeffrey and Kristina all of Calgary; great grandson Donovan; his special friend Josie Hunter of Botha; his chosen family Della (Marvyn) Harris of Botha and Trent (April) and kids of Botha; as well as many dear friends. Graveside service will be held at Botha Woodland Cemetery on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM, followed with a luncheon at the Botha Senior Centre, served by the Botha UCW. Memorial donations may be made to the SHSF – Stettler Health Services Foundation or the Woodland Cemetery, Botha, Alberta c/o Stettler Funeral Home, Box 1780, Stettler, AB, T0C 2L0.