John (JR) William Raw obituary (2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Raw (JR), a longtime resident of Grande Prairie AB, and the surrounding area, on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the age of 74 years.

John (JR) was born June 8, 1950, to Olive and Frank in Edmonton, AB. He was the youngest of 5 raised in Jasper Place (Edmonton) until 1960 when the family moved to Bear Lake Corner near Peers, AB. John started fixing tires with his dad at 11 years old and by 17 he was working in Whitecourt at the Esso service station by day and on call for the tow truck service at night. He worked several jobs in his early career ranging from stooking hay, cutting fence posts, and working on pipelines, but his main interest was in the tire business along with playing music in a band most weekends.

Circa 1970 John moved to Dawson Creek, BC to work and at this time he met and married Susan, and together they had two daughters. They bounced back and forth between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson, working at various jobs including fixing tires at Northern Metalic, working at McLeod’s, hauling fuel for Chuck McMillan, and parts man at a Chevrolet dealership. He also volunteered on the Fort Nelson fire department, and it was in Fort Nelson in 1972 that Tina was born. They moved to Edmonton where John went to work at Marjac Tire, and it was in Edmonton in 1975 that Jenny was born.

In 1979 John moved to Grande Prairie to be the GM at Majestic Tire, where he worked for 27 years. He was well respected in the business community, and his genuine personality, charm, wit, and sales skills made him many lifetime friends. Eight years of this time he was also a Director for Western Canadian Tire Dealers.

In 1983 John met Debbie, his best friend and soulmate, and they were married on May 30, 1987. They spent many years together camping, boating, golfing, travelling, and snowbirding and made many friends along the way. Looking forward to retirement and snowbirding, John took a position at Happy Trails in 2006 until he fully retired in 2017. John and Deb spent their time RVing between Morningview Golf Course and Arizona.

JR was very dedicated and hardworking, sometimes having multiple jobs at a time. He worked hard but he played even harder! JR is known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He loved playing guitar, golfing, boating and fishing, shenanigans, camping, traveling, and gathering with family and friends. He loved dogs, making things shine, making people laugh, and happy hour.

John was predeceased by his parents Frank and Olive; Debbie’s parents Francis and Maxine; his brothers Clarence & Glenn; and nephews Dale and Cole.

John is survived by his loving wife Debbie; daughters Tina (Brock) & Jenny; grandson Jacob; sister Sheila; brother Bud (Nola); sisters-in-law Carrie (Cliff), and Shari (Alan); as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Events Centre at the Morningview Park Golf Course (733002 Range Rd 53, County of Grande Prairie, AB) near Sexsmith AB.

If friends desire and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.

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