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On a crisp December day in 2025, our beloved Dad saddled up old Smokey and rode off to reunite with his sweetheart, JoAnn. Until his very last days, he lived his best life—horseback riding, hunting, and sharing stories with anyone who would listen.

John was born June 15, 1942, in Claresholm, Alberta, to George and Melba Whitehead. The middle of seven children, he grew up on the family farm south of town and spent countless days exploring the Porcupine Hills with his brothers. His passion for exploring the mountains never left him, his brothers, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless friends all share stories of their adventures with him on foot, on horseback or 4 wheeling.

After high school, John served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. He fell in love with Kansas and later returned to attend Wichita State University. It was there that he met JoAnn Meador, the love of his life. They married on September 26, 1964, and together raised five children: David, Noel, Jennifer, Andrea, and Patricia.

John earned his accounting degree from Brigham Young University. His career took him from Standard General Construction to Lethbridge Community College, where he became a cornerstone of the Farm Management and Agriculture program. Always hardworking, he even spent summers driving long-haul for H&R Transport—He was proud of his Class 1 drivers license that he had until the end. Road trips were his passion; he never thought twice about jumping in the car for a drive to Utah, Arizona or Alaska.

John’s life was defined by service. He never knew how to say no, and his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers could always count on him. When he and JoAnn moved to an acreage in Orton in 1999, he found a second family in the community. Whether moving hay bales, clearing snow, or organizing hunting trips, John gave freely of his time and energy. He loved taking friends on horseback rides or on six-hour drives just to visit a candy store.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but especially by those who called him Dad, Grandpa, or Great-Grandpa.

His children: David (Lisa), Noel (Tracey), Jennifer (Mike Harris), Andrea (Brian Knecht), Patricia (Wade Smith)
Grandchildren: John (Stephanie) Hitchins, Darius Whitehead, Kassidy (Shaun Westerson), Derrick Whitehead, Tenneson Smith, Ethan (Abigail) Whitehead, Noah Smith, Ryan(Hena)Whitehead, Maizey Smith
Great-grandchildren: Farah & Hollis Hitchins, Violet Westerson, Wesley Whitehead

John was predeceased by his beloved JoAnn in 2018, his parents George and Melba, brother Merrill, and sisters Marlene Olson and Debra Brauti.

We will miss you, John B—your laughter, stories, unwavering love, and that silly grin!

A funeral service will be at Fort Macleod Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (643 20 St, Fort Macleod) held on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 12:00pm with friends meet family from 11:00-11:45am prior to the service.

An evening friends meet family will take place at the funeral home (433 Stubb Ross Rd S, Lethbridge) on Friday January 2, 2026 from 6:00-7:00pm.