Obituary of JOHN SPECHT

John Joseph Specht of Charleswood, Manitoba passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at the age of 92. John will be missed sadly by his wife, Viola as well as his sister Doreen; sisters-in-law Carol and Terry (Charles) Haycock and nieces Cathy and Nicole and nephews Joe, Brian & Lyndon. John was born to parents Joseph and Emilie (Weldon) Specht and was raised in the St. James area. He had one sister, Doreen, who later married and moved to England. John met his future wife, Viola Haycock, on his way to school, always walking by her house hoping to catch a glimpse of her in the yard. John joined the RCAF in 1939 and served in the European Theatre of War from 1940 to 1945. He married Viola in 1949 at St. Ann’s Church in St.. James. St. James was where he built their first home. In 1951 they moved and worked in Santa Monica, California for six months and then in St. Paul, Minnesota for five years after which John was transferred back to Winnipeg by his employer, Pitney Bowes. John and Viola moved to Charleswood in 1957 and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. John served in numerous ministries and parish committees, was a member of the board of Villa Rosa for two years and a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Canadian Legion. He was active in the community in the volunteer roles. His hobbies were music, stained glass and woodworking. In November 2006, John and Viola moved into the Wellington Retirement Residence and in April 2011, moved into Parkview Place Care Center. We would like to thank the caring staff and those who visited John at Parkview Place Care Centre. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing between 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 4588 Roblin Blvd. In place of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity.