JOHN ARTHUR FRANCIS JORDENS

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JOHN ARTHUR FRANCIS JORDENS

July 24, 1937 - April 4, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of John Arthur Francis Jordens of Rivers, Manitoba on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 86.

We take solace in knowing that he was met on that beautiful shore by his beloved family, wife Margaret, son David and son-in-law Dave, and many other loved ones. Also, by many, dear friends that went on ahead of him.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters Phyllis Jordens and Debbie Nicolajsen and grand-daughters Kylie Nicolajsen and Kim Nicolajsen (Ross Hayward). Brothers Tom Jordens, Richard Jordens (Nancy), sisters Innis (Jerry) Swanson, Pat (Lorne) Clark, Diane Dartige, Louise (John) Makuch, and Sheila Jordens as well as many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by many friends and the community.

Now we reflect on his long, well-lived life.

John was born July 24, 1937, on the farm at St. Hubert, Saskatchewan. He was the oldest of nine children born to Paul and Josie Jordens.

He attended Beynes School, a one-room schoolhouse a few miles away, mostly on his horse Darkie. Many special memories and stories have been shared of their school days and growing up in the times of trying their best to make a good life with having very little.

He worked hard on the farm and in the late 1950’s ventured to Manitoba, first to Alexander to help out on his uncle Wendell Skinner’s farm and then on to Rivers to help out his uncle Alex Ross. Rivers would be his home for the rest of his life.

He found himself working with Davidsons’ putting in water lines for the town and also for the gas company putting in gas lines in town.

In December of 1956 he started working for Brickwood Bros. Plumbing and thus his lifelong career began.

As fate would have it there was a young gal, Margaret Little that lived across the road and thus his beautiful family story began. They were married in September 1958. (Mom passed away in 2010 after 52 years of marriage). They had three children: Debbie in 1960, Phyllis in 1962 and David in 1965. (David passed away in 1971).

His early plumbing days often took him to remote areas of northern Manitoba to install heating for the government nursing stations.

Dad took over the plumbing business in 1970. These were busy years, raising a family and running a business, however he took great pride in having a part in much of the building and growth of the community. Many volunteer hours were spent to build churches, rinks, legion, golf course to name a few. He had a wealth of knowledge of the plumbing history of pretty much every home, farm and business of the community that he loved.

He was part of many committees and organizations: Rivers Legion, Rivers Fire Department, Rivers Town Council, Rivers Curling Club, Rivers Lions Club, Rivers Golf Club just to name a few. He was proud of all the accomplishments that were made in these groups.

Dad also found time to enjoy fun times and many activities with friendships that would last a lifetime. Many fishing trips and hunting trips up north were enjoyed with family and friends. Many bonspiels and group trips to many Briers. He was an avid curler, golfer and even played baseball in his younger days. He recently took up floor curling and started bowling in Minnedosa with friends.

He loved ice fishing, camping, going for coffee, shooting gophers, playing cards, gardening, picking berries, baking and canning, watching any sport, especially curling and baseball.

Music was also a big part of Dad’s life. He loved to play the spoons, drums and piano and loved to dance. He loved parades and took part in many over the years with his antique tractor and stationary engine and always had a float depicting the good old days.

We are so grateful that Dad remained so active and in general good health all his life and we are blessed to have enjoyed such good times and memories with him. He was always there for us and anyone who needed a helping hand. What a legacy he leaves us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Rivers Legion at 11:00 a.m.

If desired, donations in John’s memory may be made to:

Royal Canadian Legion #75, Box 37, Rivers, Mb. R0K 1X0 or

Rivers & Area Community Foundation, Box 714, Rivers, MB. R0K 1X0

In the sweet by and by we shall meet on that beautiful shore.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on May 11, 2024, May 11, 2024