(Eulogy by Reegan McCullough) It would take days to recount the many aspects of John’s life. However, he had some key qualities that were most worthy of remembrance.
John was one of those rare people who are born a carpenter. He did not need a certificate to verify his qualifications. With his materials and tools at hand, there wasn’t any challenge he shied away from. In fact, he relished the opportunity to take on projects that other carpenters would avoid. Watching him work made carpentry look easy and you could fool yourself into thinking anyone could do it..until you tried it yourself and were quickly brought back to your senses!
When Slave Lake began to grow in the late ‘60s and ‘70s, John was involved in construction projects ranging from residential to commercial construction. In those days, there weren’t many sub-trades involved in completing the job. This meant you often had to b e able to complete every facet of construction. This didn’t bother John because he was both a framer and an accomplished finishing carpenter. As well, he poured back-breaking slabs of concrete that helped to cover the infamous Slave Lake mud which he always referred to as "that darn gumbo!"
To this day, many people in Slave Lake park their cars in driveways he poured and stack dishes in cabinets he built.
During that time, the Montreal Canadiens were the team to beat in the National Hockey League. They won Stanley Cup after Stanley Cup and he watched his beloved Canadiens every Saturday on ‘Hockey Night in Canada’. When the games were not on T.V., he resorted to the radio. He studied the game and could recite the statistics about any one of the players without hesitation. There may have been some in Montreal who attended more games than John, but the mighty Habs never had a more faithful fan!When the Vancouver Canucks became an NHL franchise, John flew to Vancouver to see the Canadiens. He wouldn’t have missed that for the world.
Over these past 20 years, John stuck with the Canadiens through some lean times. This year, however, they are one of the league’s hottest teams and John will finally have his front row seat...right next to the Rocket, Toe Blake, Sam Pollack and all the other famous Habs!
John, we’re going to miss you and you will come to mind when we see fine woodwork or watch a hockey game. And yes, you will definitely come to mind when we pass the stuffing around at Christmas!
We will Remember...
Je me souviens....
* * * * *
On Oct. 17, 2001, John Belanger (53 years) of Slave Lake passed away at the University of Alberta hospital in Edmonton, surrounded by loved ones.

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