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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Valentine Templin of Sparwood, B.C. John was born on February 14, 1924 in Tereszewo, Poland. He attended school for grades 1-8 along with his 9 siblings. John was 16 when he was taken to Germany during WW2. After his escape, he joined the Polish army to take military ski training in the northern Italian area of Cortina. He then fought with the British allies in Monte Cassino, Italy. When he was stationed there, he met a beautiful younger Italian girl named Antonietta Petrollini. After a brief, whirlwind romance, John came to Canada to start his life and wait for Antonietta’s arrival. John had various jobs on farms in Alberta before he settled in Michel, B.C. in 1948 with a job in the underground mines. In 1954 Antonietta arrived and they were married. In 1961 John was involved in an underground mine accident and was badly injured. With great courage and determination he was back to work in no time. The family lived in Michel until they had to move to Sparwood in 1970. During his life in Sparwood, John was both an avid hunter and fisherman. He retired in 1989. He loved to take care of his garden and could often be seen riding his bicycle around town. John was a longstanding member of The Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the B.C. Wildlife Federation. He is survived by: his loving wife Antonietta, sons Ken (Laura), Paul (Susan), Peter (Marjorie) and Johnny; grandchildren Anna, Joel, Corey, Maxine, Patrick, Veronica and Vincent; great grandchildren Kashton Garrow and Aidan Templin. Also by two siblings, sister Wladyslawa Ansel and brother Edmund (Sophia) Templin, both of Poland. John was predeceased by his parents Jan (Rozalia), siblings Bruno, Kasmir, Joseph, Lucy, Kasia, Ela and Klara. Prayer service was held on Wednesday April 1st and funeral service on Thursday April 2nd at St. Michael’s Parish in Sparwood, BC. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in John’s name to the Lilac Terrace Building Fund, PO Box 1587, Sparwood, B.C. V0B 2G0. Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.