John Fredrick Trenchard, 81

With his wife by his side, John Fredrick Trenchard passed away peacefully at his home in Sleeman, Ontario on Thursday, November 6, 2008.
John was born in Gameland, Ontario on November 16, 1926, and moved to Sleeman when he was 15. He worked as a carpenter on the CN Railroad until just after he married Dora on June 1, 1951 in Swan River, Manitoba. John ran his farm with his brother Bill for many years, also working as a clerk for several townships and as a school bus driver. After retiring he returned to his original love, carpentry and remained on his beloved family farm. Many of his family will think of him fondly when using their custom made cedar chests. John has a strong belief in community, public service and giving to others. If there was a club near, he would join it. He was a proud member of the Masons, Shriners, Lions Club, Rainy River Cattleman’s Association, 4-H, the local credit union, the Senior’s Drop-In Center, and the United Church, to name just a few.
John is survived by is wife Dora; children, David (Denise) Trenchard; Gordon Trenchard; Janice (Howard) Taylor; Tom (Barb) Trenchard; Linda (Emile) Desforges; Joyce (Rob) Lane; Richard (April) Trenchard; Robert (Bess) Trenchard; Susan (Soretto) LaSpina; grandchildren: Kenneth, Amanda (Jason), Priscilla, Allison (Art), Brent, Cameron (Holly), Stacey, Jonathon, Brian, Daniel, Donalda (Jim), Eva, John (Erin), Jennifer, Kevin, Richard, Jeremy, Deejay, James, Jennette, Danielle, Catherine; Eight great-grandchildren, brother Robert (Hazel), sister Jean, and sister-in-law Adaline, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Joseph, brothers Joseph, George, and twin Bill, Sister Molly (Allan), brother-in-law David, and granddaughter Elisabeth.
Cremation has taken place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Minnesota.
A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Rainy River, Ontario. Reverend Barbara Miller will officiate with interment in Blue Cemetery in Blue Township, Ontario.
Honourary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Kenneth Trenchard, Brent Taylor, Jonathon Trenchard, John Desforges, Kevin Lane, Richard Trenchard Jr. and James Trenchard.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations would be appreciated and can be made to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario, in care of the Ionic Lodge, Box 214, Rainy River, ON., P0W 1L0, or to the charity of your own choice, c/o Rainy River Funeral Home, P.O. Box 694, Rainy River, ON., P0W 1L0.
On line condolences may be made in care of www.mem.com.
Dad was a kind, strong, gentleman who will be greatly missed. His grandchildren will always remember how he could never say no to them and would help with anything and everything. You will be in our hearts forever.