JON POPEL

1956 – 2018

Jonnie Bernell Popel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and Winnifred historian, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the age of 62 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Royal Canadian Legion, 202 – 5 Avenue East, Bow Island on Saturday, May 12, 2018 between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.

Jon was born in Medicine Hat on March 4, 1956, to Agnes and John Popel. He lived most of his life in Winnifred where he farmed with his father. Jon attended the University of Calgary and obtained a degree in Geology where he met his future wife, Janet Ferguson. They were married on February 27, 1982 and together Jon and Janet farmed and raised three amazing children, Jonathan (Peggy), James (Stephanie) and Julianne (Dan Baran). He so loved his two grandchildren John and Anne and greatly enjoyed his visits with them.

After the farm and just like in everything he has done, he took pride in a career at the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID), “chasing water” as he put it, for almost twenty years. He will be remembered by his brothers at The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) and past members of the Bow Island Ducks Unlimited Committee.

In addition to his own family, Jon leaves behind three sisters Joanne (Morris) Sosick of Lethbridge, Shirley Johnston of Milk River and Betty (Mike) Owens of Redmond, Washington and by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Charles Johnston.

In lieu of flowers and donations, Jon’s family ask that you spend time with your children, grandchildren and families and like Jon would want, hug them and hold them close as he would say that is most important.