JOHN PETER TATES

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JOHN PETER TATES It is with deep sadness, and with great sorrow, we announce John Peter Tates has succumbed to his battle with cancer. Peacefully in the care of his daughter's home, surrounded by his loving family, the morning of October 29, 2016, at the age of 76. John was born in the Netherlands on March 14, 1940. At the tender age of eight, in the care of his parents Cornelius and Maria Tates, the family immigrated to Canada. John found his loving wife Annie Epp and they married on October 27, 1962. John and Ann made a wonderful team, working hard and creating a life for their three children. John had a work ethic like no other, he was driven and wouldn't stop until the job was done. John's ultimate happy place, was working outside. He loved to landscape, grow his garden, and sit on the deck after a hard day's work, drinking a nice cold beer, gazing at the beautiful creations that were made with his own two hands. John worked many jobs, as a young man, initially a farm hand, followed by becoming an orderly at Health Science Centre where he met his beautiful bride Annie. John then received an opportunity to work for a private contractor installing sewer lines. With this experience, John was then hired for the Water and Sewer department for the City of Winnipeg. His work ethic shone through, and he began climbing the ranks, eventually becoming a foreman and running his own crew. John retired at the age of 50, leaving him to enjoy the outdoor pleasures that he loved to do so much. Fishing and camping were also passions of John's, ones that he passed onto his children and grandchildren. Wonderful memories shared by all. There was nothing like a cool early morning, sitting in the boat, drinking a nice warm coffee, with the lines in the water. Spending time at the cabin, was where John wanted to be. This was the place where he felt most content. Accompanied by his brother Walter, John was able to travel to the cabin one last time after his diagnosis of cancer. The time spent with his brother, along with his last visit to the cabin, was held dear to his heart. John was predeceased by his lovely wife, Annie Tates only two months prior. John was also predeceased by his parents and his older brother Pete. He leaves to mourn his brothers Walter, Dyck, and Chris; sister Marie; John's son Keith, daughter Lisa and grandson Zachary; John's daughter Betty, her husband Patrick, and grandchildren Kelsey, Cole, Rebecca and Shelby; his brother-in-law Henry; and many extended family members and friends. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. We would like to thank Melanie, the Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and the Interlake Homecare Department, for all the care and compassion. If one wishes, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2016