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Tribute Wall
Friday
20
March
Celebration of Life
2:00 pm
Friday, March 20, 2026
Consort Sportex
4602 50 Ave
Consort, Alberta, Canada
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David Hazelman posted a condolence
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Hi family, sorry for the late addition, we had a wedding last week.
John was such a pleasure to know and visit with. He always had a poem or limerick to share. He made the street get togethers a real entertaining experience.
Our condolences to the family; we’ll miss him.
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Cam and Donna Gillrie lit a candle
Friday, March 20, 2026
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So sorry to hear of John’s passing, we always looked forward to his call to meet Cindy and John for a meal in Red deer. So glad that he took the time for us. Loved the stories and poems. Cam and Donna Gillrie
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Barry Bieleny pledged to donate to Consort Fire Department - Village of Consort
Friday, March 20, 2026
In memory of John Gattey
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Lynda Fawcett posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2026
John was a great guy with a larger-than-life persona. He cast and shared his net widely. John was engaging, interested and interesting, caring and sharing history, stories, and his poems. I will remember the twinkle in his eyes, his smile, and his joy of life. John will be missed and remembered well.
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Twilah Newman posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2026
Q: What was one of the qualities of John that you loved most?
A: My husband Kerry and I were saddened to hear about John's passing. We have fond memories of him when he attended our wedding in Ontario in 1996.
I'll never forget spending time with him the morning of the wedding when I asked him for a favor to problem solve a wedding glitch.
John as usual showed his willingness to offer a helping hand, and his sparkling sense of humor. I can still hear him say, " Well Twilah, I must say when I thought of coming to your wedding, I wasn't sure what I'd be doing, somehow I never envisioned I'd spend the morning with the bride arranging flowers and setting tables".
As I wrote this I broke down crying and laughing,and I think John would love to be remembered in this way.
John is a man that cut right to the heart of the matter, and to the hearts of those around him with grace, gentleness, quiet confidence and humor.
Kerry and I want to send our deepest condolences,and a big hug to John's family.
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Charles Reichart posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2026
As the cut off time for tributes is near, I thought it might be time to share another story about
two adolescent youths growing up on Crossbar Ranch. I'm not exactly sure how old we were,
but John and I were playing together somewhere around the open shed close to the barn
where they had parked one of the tractors. John had found this long spike and for reasons
unknown jammed it under one of the back tires just being sort of funny, I guess. Now I know
for certain his intent was not to flatten a tire but you have to understand that the attention span
of two young boys is at best 15 to 20 seconds. Now I'm not sure exactly what happened next,
either a gopher ran past or something but I do remember about 10 minutes later we saw my
dad Herman leaving the yard with that same tractor. Seeing this put the both of us in instant panic
mode, especially when halfway down the feedlot road dad stopped the tractor and looked over
the fender, as if something was wrong. Long story short, we both thought it would be best to
just fess up to it and take the consequences.
Oh the miss adventures of youth.
John I miss you dearly. Godspeed
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Lorna Dumaresq posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2026
I was deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. I had the honour of speaking with him about a week before he passed, and I will always be grateful for that conversation. We talked about the value of growing up in a close-knit community, sharing common life experiences, and the memories we built as neighbours—it meant a great deal to reconnect in that way.
John was a wonderful host who always made the effort to reach out and stay in touch. I will miss our conversations, I will miss his stories, and I will miss his poetry. He had a true love for the land, for his ranch, and most of all - for his family and his friends.
I carry many great memories of him, and I will hold them close.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him.
Lorna Dumaresq
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Charles Reichart uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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Digging through an old family album I found this picture taken in the summer of 1960.
It shows John Gattey in the center flanked by myself and my late younger brother, and a dog named Toby.
I had the privilege of spending most of my childhood and adolescent years growing up with John on the Cross Bar Ranch.
Like his father before him John was a cattleman. We started out learning to ride ponies. There was Rocket, Tuffy, a
Shetland named Sir Puck, and occasionally a cantankerous but clever mule called Khrushchev. As we grew older, we graduated to larger steeds, even venturing onto motorcycles and snowmobiles. John was always far more daring than I, making it hard
to keep up most times. We raced silage trucks down Gooseberry Lake Road seeing who
could get to the pit first. John always had the shorter Chevy truck while I was stuck with the
larger underpowered Ford so I guess you know how the race ended. I could not have asked for
a better friendship and upbringing, full of great memories too numerous to mention.
I'm so glad you and Cindy stopped in for a visit on your recent return from Arizona. It was great to see you both.
I will particularly miss John's spontaneous bursts of poetry that always seemed to fit the moment.
The Roman philosopher Seneca had said "Life is not short, we only make it short", rather he reflected
life should be judged not by time, but instead fulfillment. From that definition, I can say with
certainty that John Gattey lived a long life with never a wasted moment.
Wherever you are John I know the skies are clear and the pastures are green and should our paths ever cross again
which I'm sure they will, keep a horse saddled for me for it has been far too long.
To all the Gattey family my sincere condolences. Charles Reichart
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Jan Wolcott Nowicki uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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My heartfelt condolences on the passing of John Gattey, especially to my childhood friend Dyane and her children, and Lynn's children. I met John when he was 16, I was 15, and my sister Moe was 16. Frank and Kelva Gattey and our Father, Don Wolcott, decided John needed to work on another ranch. We were in Bragg Creek, looking after our livestock, peeling logs for our log house and training 16 half mule and half donkey animal terrorists to sell. John was an integral member of our crew, living in a one-room shack with our hired man. My sister Moe, my brother John, and I were working on our ranch that summer. John was an excellent rider, which helped when we were rounding up our experimental animals. One day, the green horse he was riding somersaulted. I was very afraid that he was dead lying on the ground. I rode up trying to figure out what I was going to tell my Dad, who loved John, about his death. Luckily, after getting his breath, John jumped up and got back on his horse. John was tough as nails. He was always talking about his home on Cross Bar Ranch and Gooseberry Lake. One day, I visited his parents and his sisters, and Kelva took me for a ride across the ranch. He was right, it is God's country. Since that summer, we all seemed to lose touch, and that makes me sad. I The Gattey family; John, Frank and Kelva, and of course Dyane and Lynn will always be in my heart.
Rest in Peace, my friend "May the Wind be at your Back". Jan Wolcott Nowicki
Photo: John and Jan with the half-mule half-donkey animals at the Bragg Creek parade in 1972
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Moe Wolcott Williams posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
It is with great sorrow that I send my condolences to the Gattey family on John’s passing.
I will always fondly remember the summer we shared together working on my Dads ranch.
I recently had a nice chat that I will cherish.
I know he will be forever missed by all who knew him.
My deepest sympathy
Moe Wolcott Williams
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john posted a condolence
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Cindy and Families,
We wish to send our thoughts and prayers to all of you in this time. We are grateful and thankful to have had
our brief get together this summer..Many fine Stockgrower experiences and memories over a lifetime along the way.
John will always be remembered by our families. We regretfully will miss John's Celebration of life on Friday as we are off continent still. Peace and Love to you all.
John is in Good hands.
John may you rest in peace.
John and Tami Cartwright
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Linda Beitzel posted a condolence
Sunday, March 15, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was such a good friend to my John here in Arizona. They always enjoyed a drink and good conversation whenever John stopped by.
John and Cindy joined our neighborhood block parties, and John often had a poem he’d written to recite. Those were special moments.
I can just picture the two Johns sharing stories and watching over the people they loved. There’s probably a “might s’well” project being planned by the two of them right now.
Linda Beitzel
Gold Canyon, AZ
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Bill Gename posted a condolence
Saturday, March 14, 2026
So sorry to hear about my Arizona neighbor John. We shared coffee a few times and being a Chicago suburban guy I was always fascinated with his ranch life. He never minded answering all of my questions. He would also recite one of his cowboy poems which I always liked hearing. We were comparing medical issues that we each had and he recited his Ocean Pain poem which I found very moving and it gave me some comfort. A few days later he sent me the poem. I asked if I could share the poem and he said yes. My condolences to Cindy and the rest of the family. I will miss him. God is caring for him now.
Bill Gename
Gold Canyon, AZ
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Gini Granholm lit a candle
Saturday, March 14, 2026
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We so enjoyed John sharing his cowboy poetry during our Arizona neighborhood block parties
We were also included in Jeep trips and John always had stories to tell
Good journey John
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Ron Dumaresq pledged to donate to Consort Fire Department - Village of Consort
Saturday, March 14, 2026
In loving memory of John Gattey from the Ron Dumaresq Family.
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Ron Dumaresq pledged to donate to Consort Aquatic Centre
Saturday, March 14, 2026
In loving memory of John Gattey, from the Ron Dumaresq Family
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Donna Steele posted a condolence
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Thinking of you all at this sad time. So many memory of John and Cindy at the Bindloss/ Empress ranch which bordered on ours the Bar Diamond Ranch, back in the 70’s and 80’s. Such a beautiful ranch location on the Red Deer River. The Gattey family was always ready and willing to help with branding, and round - ups. We remember the plane rides that you offered to our boys… their first experience flying! So special. Sending hugs to you all.
Sincerely Donna Steele and boys , Patrick Minor and Jason Minor
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Joanne Fawcett posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2026
I grew up in Consort, attended school with John and we’ve been friends ever since. He loved the ranch and the Neutrals. He valued his family’s history there and did what he could to record and preserve it. John seemed to be exactly in the place where he belonged. I remember the time he asked Mom, me and a few others to go on a wagon ride in the hills. Harnessing his team was quite a task but it was nothing to him. John was in his element and we spent a wonderful afternoon touring the land. Like Frank and Kelva had, he enjoyed visiting and entertaining at the ranch.
During a phone call (when John was in hospital recovering from an unfortunate accident with a bull) he recited two poems he’d just written while there. He was determined to fully recover and was working hard on his rehab. I think the poetry was helping him. Everyone who knew John has probably heard a poem or two. A recent text even rhymed, I’m not sure if that was intentional or just came naturally.
Years ago, when John suggested a visit on a nice summer day I asked “do you have time for that”? He replied “we all have the same amount of time, it’s what we choose to do with it that matters”. John chose to spend his time enthusiastically doing the things that mattered most to him. He’s gone too soon but there’s comfort in knowing that he lived his life fully and on his own terms. I’ll miss his friendship. My heartfelt sympathies to Cindy, Justin, Brandon, Joan, Dyane and their families as well as to Lynn’s family.
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Cheryl Hval lit a candle
Friday, March 13, 2026
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John was a pretty special guy. He stole my sisters’ heart and they surprised us with a wedding during the celebrations of the Cross Bar Ranch Centennial in 2010. Since we’ve moved South, we have been able to spend more quality time with John and Cindy. It’s going to be hard to think of just Cindy, John & Cindy just sounds so good together. We are sure going to miss the Witt, stories, crib and card games.
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Dan & Gloria Jackson posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
We were saddened to hear about John’s passing.
His poetry was very inspiring. We enjoyed our visits with John and Cindy while we were in Arizona. Our deepest condolences to all the family.
Dan & Gloria Jackson
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Joan McKibbin pledged to donate to Consort Fire Department - Village of Consort
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
With lovely memories of John and the Cross Bar from his Littlewood Cousins, Barb, Joan, and Anne.
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John & BillieJo Pitts posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
We will miss John’s optimistic “the glass is half full “ personality, the story’s and humor he had to share or the ponder party just wouldn’t be complete… the never ending circle of friends he always made feel like they were just so damn important compared to the rest of the world! You felt extra special when you were in John’s company… I hope he knew just how rare of a man he was, we sure did! And he will be missed…
John & BillieJo
…Arizona…
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Myles Radford pledged to donate to Consort Fire Department - Village of Consort
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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Garry & Donna posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
This just makes me so damn sad :( John didn't get enough time. We didn't know John for that long,but the time we did have to get to know him was memorable, for sure. Oh, that man could tell a story ! He didn't just tell, it, he felt it, and that made you feel it too. I love the memory of John taking us around the ranch, telling us all the stories, showing us all the things. He was so very proud of the ranch, and his family. A tour with John was a history lesson. And the cowboy poetry was amazing. The four of us went out for a steak supper one night, and the waitress told us the special was some sort of chicken dish......John just looked at her, and broke into a poem about cowboys not eating chicken ! She was shocked, I was impressed, and he was un-fazed by it all ! What a helluva a guy he was. He will be so missed, but his Legacy will live on in his kids and grandkids. The "John Stories" will be retold for generations, I'm sure. Take care of each other, Gattey family, Rest easy, John...Your work here is done.
Love and hugs to all, Garry & Donna
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Kay Paton posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
So sad to read the news of John’s passing.
I have such fond memories of time spent at the Cross Bar in the late 70’s. John and his family were wonderful people who always made you feel welcome.
Thankful to have had John and Cindy visit us in Australia in recent years.
Heartfelt condolences to Cindy and family.
John has left this world but I’m sure his presence will always be felt by his loved ones.
Kay and Trevor Paton
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Jocelyn Gallais posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
So sorry to hear of John’s passing, my condolences to all his family and friends. I met John many years ago when my family moved and worked for the ranch.
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Marianne Smith posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
My condolences to Cindy and all of John's family.
I am a former classmate who reconnected with John at our 50 year high school reunion in the summer of 2025. Loved his cheerful and go-forward attitude! RIP John
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Shawna Burton posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I met John through Ranching for Profit. He was a wealth of knowledge, and I am grateful for what he shared with me. Sincere condolences to the family. RIP John
Shawna Burton
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Dale-K Turner posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
Hi, I just heard about John’s passing. I only knew him from a health class we attended via zoom this week past fall. He, along with his poems, made a difference in my life. May you be buoyed by the memories of John as you navigate your waves of grief. Sincerely, Dale-K Turner.
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Carol Curry lit a candle
Monday, March 9, 2026
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Carol Curry posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, March 9, 2026
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Lyall and I knew
The Gatteys and enjoyed visiting with them over the years. My sincere condolences to all the families.john was a very special person
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The family of John Francis Gattey uploaded a photo
Monday, March 9, 2026
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Leslie Czar posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
Our deepest condolences to the Gattey family. John’s impromptu stories & poetry at community gatherings were always a highlight for us!.
‘Til we meet again!
Leslie & Carole Anne Czar
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Donna Ward posted a condolence
Monday, March 9, 2026
We will treasure the memory of you forevermore.
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