John Siray passed away peacefully in the late evening hours of Monday, January 6, 2014 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital at the age of 74 years. John was born on October 17, 1939 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Andrew and Barbara Siray.
John grew up in Shaughnessy, Alberta and at the young age of 17, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Bunn on August 1, 1957. His first job was in Nobleford at Noble Cultivators. John’s occupations took them to many different locations – in Trail at Teck-Cominco. Dawson Creek as an instructor, and here in Cranbrook as the Dean for Vocational School. He helped acquire many new programs at the East Kootenay Community College. He started the welding division , building the shop from the bottom up when it was still the East Kootenay Community College. He was President of the BC Vocational Association. John was a born leader and would let any one know what his opinion was – whether you wanted him to or not! John could never be still and at times had at least three jobs on the go. His later years were spent running the Family Framing shop with his wife, Betty. Many times, he would donate pictures he had framed to families of sick children. Always trying to be of a help to someone in need.
John coached many hockey teams over the years. He was the President of the Cranbrook Royals Senior League and was a part of winning the Allan Cup in 1981-82. He was always there to help a soul in need and would give the shirt off his back to help another. He had a passion for trying to help out troubled kids. One of the recipients of his kindness came back to let him know that he was “passing on the kindness” that he had received from John. John will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.
John leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty; his three children; Debbie Siray, Susan Siray and John (Kim) Siray and his grandchildren;, Kyle, Jessie, Mandy, Cindi, Candace, Cody, Scott and Katelynn. He also leaves behind 14 great grandchildren and his good friend George Wade.
John was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Barbara Siray, two brothers Lou and Les Siray; his dearly loved grandson Jonathan Siray and his best friend and companion, Ben.
A Service to Celebrate the life of John will be held on the May long weekend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, 1690 Matthews Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2. Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com