MACHIELSE, Johannes

MACHIELSE It is with heavy hearts that we share that JOHANNES CORNELIUS MACHIELSE of Lethbridge passed away peacefully with family at his side, on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at the remarkable age of 91.
John’s warm smile and tender heart will be dearly missed by his partner, family and countless friends. Dad had a beautiful marriage to Johanna sharing more than 38 years before she passed. He was lucky enough to find love for the second time sharing memories late in life with his partner, Annie.
John leaves six loving children and their partners; Hennie (Wayne), Annelise (Terry), Mary (Bill), Matthew (Jennifer), Cathy (Bob) and John Paul (Stephanie). He was a generous and caring Opa to 13 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, his most important legacy.
Dad took the ultimate leap when he left his birth place and family in the Netherlands for Canada with nothing more than a small suitcase and hope for opportunity as a destination. Ten days on the boat landing at Pier 21, then four days on the train, arriving in Calgary, to start an adventure that would change his life. These first steps set Dad on a path to provide opportunity for four generations now flourishing in his and mom’s chosen country.
He had a remarkable positive view that it will “simply all work out” no matter the challenge. Returning to Holland only long enough to marry his first love Johanna, they both returned to Coaldale, rented their first irrigated farm and immediately started a family. In the next few years he successfully bought his first land, what is now part of his legacy. He would try his hand at all forms of farming, always looking at new technologies and techniques, to support a large family. Some of his proudest moments farming was working beside his kids and especially when the grandkids joined and showed interest in agriculture. He took great pride in being a farmer.
Dad was always focused on living an enjoyable life, not just working. He ensured his family would experience all the spectacular moments travel enables first taking kids tenting, then a motorhome to take family to Disneyland and far reaches of Canada. He gave all his kids and grandkids the thirst for travel and adventure including going back to Holland to maintain strong family relationships that thrive today. He continued to take every opportunity, even in his eighties, with his fabulous partner Annie as they travelled around North America and to Europe to fully enjoy the gift of life.
Dad was always active and began many new passions. Even though he farmed well into his seventies, he went on to volunteer at the Lethbridge South Senior Centre, helping teach computers to seniors, taking photography classes and eventually serving as President of the organization. He had a particular love for working in his shop restoring old cars, tractors, and trucks. His pride and joy was his fully restored 1931 Olds two-door coupe, a close cousin to the very first car he bought when he first came to Canada in 1955.
We want to sincerely thank and recognize all the health professionals including the Palliative Team at St. Michael’s that went above and beyond to ensure Dad could enjoy life in comfort to his final days.
The family will be holding a private memorial service on July 15, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society at 55 St. Clair Ave. West, Suite 500, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7 (www.cancer.ca), or Stars at STARS Donations, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 (www.donations@stars.ca).

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com