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JOHN DAVID ANDERSON
Born: Oct 11, 1949
Date of Passing: Jun 10, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN DAVID ANDERSON
We are so sad to announce that on June 10, 2025, John David Anderson died from brain cancer at Riverview Health Centre.
John was born on October 11, 1949, and grew up on the golf course and hockey rinks of Wildwood Park. He was blessed with athleticism, intelligence, and great social skills. In his graduating year at Vincent Massey High School, he was the student council president. He went to University of Manitoba for a BA and law degree, and as a student he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he was christened "Dean" and where he made incredible memories and lifelong friends.
After his BA, he had a job checking that rural racetracks in Manitoba were not defrauding bettors, and forever after had incredible mental math skills. Another early job he was very proud of was writing the Churchill Forest Industries inquiry report. In law school he met his beloved wife Briony Haig and they married in 1976. After dipping their toes in the practice of law they went to Europe for several months to work on their French and have a grand adventure. Soon after, they moved to Portage la Prairie where John started his own law practice. In 1986 their daughter Katie was born, and John was a most devoted, loving, and gentle father.
Ever brave and adventurous, in the 90s John and Briony (with Katie) lived in an intentional community (Norfolk), south of Portage, for four years. John and Briony also went back to school in the 90s and became teachers. In 2001 the family moved to Wolseley in Winnipeg and bought a cottage in Whytewold, on Lake Winnipeg. Fixing up the cottage was a labour of love for John and when at the lake he enjoyed birdwatching, swimming and soaking up the sun on the pier with friends and neighbours. John also truly loved Wolseley - being under a canopy of trees in a progressive, artistic and community-minded neighbourhood was a perfect fit.
In 2010, John retired from teaching and began his third act as a volunteer and activist. He was involved with The Wrench, Bike Valet, Safe Speeds Winnipeg, and MAWA (Mentoring Artists for Women's Art). He truly loved bicycles and believed strongly in making cycling safe and accessible, as a more earth and human-friendly mode of transportation. For several summers he ran a Saturday morning bike repair stand in Whytewold, where he would fix bikes in exchange for a suggested donation to The Wrench. He was also an artist and created beautiful and unique stained glass pieces. He recently created some glass works inspired by graffiti on trains. A deeply thoughtful and curious person, he was a lifelong reader and crossword whiz.
In 2023, Katie and partner Andrew Clark welcomed their daughter Leonie and being her Gramps was a source of great joy for John. He was also an animal lover and a devoted gramps to Katie and Andrew's dog Scruffy. In his illness, John called Scruffy his therapy dog and Scruffy's presence was a delight and comfort.
John was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Betty Anderson, brother Rick and brother-in-law Gordon Haig. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Briony Haig, daughter Katie Haig-Anderson (Andrew Clark) and granddaughter Leonie Anderson; sister-in-law Lynda Anderson (Elizabeth Anderson and Steve Chan; Karl, Amy, Jessica, Mike, Ashley and Caity Anderson); sister and brother-in-law, Margot Haig and Harry Ethans (Alex, Hilary and Ella Ethans; Taylor Ethans and Danielle Dumestre; Paula Ethans and Neil Reed); sister and brother-in-law, Angela Haig and Mark Halsall (Claire and Graeme Haig-Halsall); and dear friends. We know he touched many hearts with his kindness and caring nature.
John was supported through his illness by many outstanding health care workers. We are incredibly grateful for the excellent and compassionate care he received, and for Canada's publicly-funded health care system.
The love and support of our family, friends and neighbours over the past eight months since John was diagnosed has been so helpful and appreciated: thank you all, so much, for your care.
If you wish to make a donation in John's honour, we suggest directing it to MAWA (Mentoring Artists for Women's Art), the Phi Delta Theta - Manitoba Alpha Leadership Fund, or The Wrench.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 603 Wellington Crescent on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Family and friends are also invited to visit and share memories at Katie and Andrew's house on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Their address will be shared at the Celebration of Life or to those who reach out to request it.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2025
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Larry and I were so very sorry to hear of John’s illness and death. I have such happy memories of sitting on the pier with you and John and enjoying our chats so much. He was a lovely gentle man and I’m sure you and your daughter will miss him very much. We are sending our love Briony. Lorraine Moore - Posted by: Lorraine Moore (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2025
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I am so fortunate to have might John thought the fraternity. He was truly an amazing man and taught me so much about being a men in the little time I knew him. No words express how grateful I am for him. You will be missed Dean - Posted by: Derek Patten (Fraternity Brother) on: Jun 18, 2025
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John: you're a sweet, fierce and intelligent, man. It would light up my day every time I saw you. Thanks for seeing me and for always taking a moment to check in. There was something about your serene presence that the kept me grounded. All it took was a nod from you to keep me going. I'll miss your resolve, your wisdom and your support. It was a pleasure to get things done with you; your energy was inspiring to me and so many others. Winnipeg is far better off because of you. And so am I. - Posted by: Anders Swanson (Friend and Colleague) on: Jun 17, 2025
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I remember drawing John, a thoughtful model, one summer during our life drawing sessions. He was in the living room of the cottage, clad in summer attire, and I thought to myself that he exudes peacefulness and love in such a handsome way. I can't imagine the depth of your sorrow at his passing, Briony. My heart goes out to you. - Posted by: Gayle Halliwell (Friend of Briony) on: Jun 17, 2025
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We send love to Briony, Katie and the extended family. If only there could be more John Andersons in the world. John was kind, generous and inclusive. He was the perfect mix of intelligent and fun. John and Briony supported the arts and knew many Winnipeg artists by name and style, supporting them in every way. John was regularly seen at art openings around the city. We saw his leadership skills as he organized volunteers for the Folk Fest particularly the Ride To The Site. He supported youth through his work with The Wrench. He supported Arts Junktion, Art City and so many more organizations counting on Community support. John believed in the power of community. The world would be a better place with more people like John. We send so much love. Andrea and Tim - Posted by: Andrea Bell Stuart (Frienr) on: Jun 16, 2025
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I am very sorry to hear of John's death. Although we probably had not spoken since he left his legal career, our connection goes back to "I" section in Wildwood Park. Our family homes were near each other, and John was always a welcoming and considerate friend to be with. My deepest condolences to all of the family. - Posted by: Gary Gilmour (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2025
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I met John volunteering at the WRENCH around 2013. I enjoyed the time we would spend together, helping children with their bicycle repair skills at some schools where he had set up programs. Condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Paul Pelletier (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2025
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John and I went through high school in the same class and later reunited in Portage la Prairie. He was always smart and adventurous. A joy to be with. All my condolences to Briony and Kate. May you face this loss with great memories of your time together. - Posted by: Dennis Schellenberg (Treasured acquaintance) on: Jun 14, 2025
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John, such a kind gentle person you will truly be missed. Thursday night bingo will not be the same but we will try and keep up the licorice sales. Our Deepest Condolences to all the family. Susan and Rick Gill. - Posted by: Susan Gill (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2025
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I have known my wonderful friend “Dean” since we were young boys in Fort Garry in the 1950’s. By the way, he earned the nickname Dean in Phi Delta Theta due to his outstanding leadership skills and academic achievements. God bless Dean, Briony, and their entire family. Ken Ransby. Naples, Florida - Posted by: Ken Ransby (Friend and Phi Delta Theta brother) on: Jun 14, 2025
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John was such a wonderful man and gentleman. We are so sorry and our deepest condolences to all those that loved him. Cindy and Jim Stewart. - Posted by: CINDY Stewart (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2025