Knowles, John S.
John S. Knowles
John S. Knowles aged 74 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Ross; sister, Gloria; in-laws, Leonard and Gladys MacDonald. John will be remembered by his wife of 49 years, Lois; children: Luke (Maisie) and Jesse (Katherine); grandchildren: Isabelle, Joelle, Ezra, and Levi; brothers, Cameron Knowles and Kelly Knowles (Patricia); in-laws, Rob MacDonald (Scott) and Bev McLachlan (Lyle); as well as many nephews and nieces.
John was born in Portage La Prairie, MB on December 13th, 1948. When he was 2 years old, his mother and siblings moved to Ft Qu’Appelle and a few years later, went to live with his relatives on a farm near Stony Beach, SK where he attended a one room schoolhouse for a year. They moved to Moose Jaw in 1959, where John attended William Grayson school followed by Central Collegiate. He attended the University of Regina for two years and later went to STI in Moose Jaw, where he obtained his Journeyman Certificate in Industrial Instrumentation.
John married Lois MacDonald in 1974 and they moved to Prince Albert, SK where he worked for Sask Power. After his sons were born in 1977 and 1978, they moved to Regina, SK and John obtained his journeyman’s certificate in carpentry, a trade he used up until the last months of his life. While in Regina, John took a great interest in coaching his sons’ soccer and even winning provincial championships multiple times. John and Lois moved back to Moose Jaw in 2006 and purchased Wakamow Heights Bed and Breakfast. John renovated it while enjoying visits with his guests, many of whom have become permanent friends.
John was a spiritual man who lived by faith. He took time to read his bible every day.
A special thanks to John’s close friends who have gone above and beyond to help through this difficult time. We also want to thank John’s many friends and relatives who made regular phone calls and visits to Pioneer Lodge palliative care to help cheer him up.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held for friends and family on Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Wakamow Heights Bed and Breakfast, 690 Aldersgate St, Moose Jaw, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, Box 334, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4N9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Dear Lois, Jesse & Knowles family,
We were sorry to hear of John’s passing and wish to express our sincere condolences to all of you.
We met John a few years ago when we stayed at the B&B and because friends with him and Lois.
Whenever we visited John was almost always reading or listening to some Biblical teaching if he wasn’t working on restoring their heritage home which he did with such dedication and care. His love for Lois was evident as we couldn’t help notice how his eyes would sparkle whenever she came into the room. Rest In peace now John but you will be missed by all who knew you.
We’ll miss John, though will remember him for lots of interesting and fun time we had together for over 50 years.
Oh Lois we were so shocked to see this on Facebook. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We will be praying for strength for you to get through this tough time. Many hugs from Ed and I. xo
So sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband. We So enjoyed visiting your bed and breakfast in the summer. John was of course working at fixing things when we stopped by.
Lois, Luke, Jesse and family,
Doug and I are saddened to hear about John’s passing. We always enjoyed our trips down to Moose Jaw and the visits we had over the years. Praying that you will find comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our love to you and the family,
Doug and Ki m
Cameron, we are very heart broken for you, I know how much John meant to you! Remember those Sunday suppers, and all the great stories he told you! You’re forever in our thoughts!
Lois & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences also. John was a great man, always pleasant when you seen him. May the memories he has left for you will help mend your broken hearts.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you
Bill & Eva
Lois and family – John and I me on the grounds of what was Queen Elizabeth School. Even though he attended William Grayson and I attended Queen Elizabeth we both sometimes participated in neighbourhood activities at QE. We then ‘crossed paths’ at CCI. Then, as often happens, life takes people to different places and our paths did not cross again until CCI reunions. It was fun and a pleasure to reconnect at those gatherings.
As a youth John was always quiet, somewhat thoughtful and with a ready twinkle in his eye and a smile. It was the same when we re-met.
May you remember him in your own ways.
Thoughts …. jim cawsey
Many condolences to the Knowles family, John was an amazing man who had a kind heart. Thank-you for everything you did for my daughter and I, I will miss helping you dry wall the house and helping you clear out the raccoons! As well as our many chats and laughs we shared. You were a true friend John and you taught me a lot
Lois and family, we extend our condolences to you as you walk this difficult road.
We will miss our friend, and remember him fondly during our next stay at the wonderful Wakamow Heights.
His suffering has ended, and he will be sorely missed.
Lois & family,
I am sure we speak for everyone around the block in the Rothesay Park community that we are deeply saddened by the news. He was a good neighbour and we always enjoyed our conversations with him over the years. Very sincere thoughts and prayers.
Dear Lois and family
Our deepest condolences to you and all of John’s friends from Kath and me.
Simply put… John was the best. Always easy going and kind to us. I can only wish we could clear a few more drains together.
He’ll be deeply missed.
Condolences to the his family and host of friends. A creative and talented individual, his Memory will be Eternal.
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was so kind and generous to Vern and me when we lived in Regina. He always took care of us I’m the home we had there. I remember that we used our deck even though it was rotting. John took the stairs off so we’d stop using it. Soon after that he came and built us a new deck. We were just starting out and didn’t have the money or the skill to take care of the problem. He always made sure that things were ok in the house. I’ll never forget his generosity and kindness. May he rest in peace in the presence of our Lord whom he loved so much.
With sincere sympathy, Lois, to you and your family. I have been a guest at your bed & breakfast a few times, the most recent time a few years ago. My husband and John shared the skill of carpentry, and it was wonderful to see how you worked together to make our stay an interesting delight. May you be comforted through the support of family, friends and many, many fond memories!
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lois and your family .
May you find comfort in remembering all the happy times you shared together.
Dear Lois and family, we are very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Know that you are surrounded by family and friends to comfort you at this difficult time. You are loved.
We are so sorry for your loss, Lois, and please accept our condolences for you, your Mother, your boys and their families, Rob and Bev and their partners and families and for John’s family and extended family and friends
Hi Lois, I just found out about John’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Hope you are well.