Obituary of John Hervin Courtorielle

John Hervin Courtorielle was born on November 11, 1943 in Faust, Alberta, to Hardy Leonard Courtorielle and Helen Victoria Gladue. John was the 5th child born of 13, with 2 adopted brothers for a total of 14 brothers and sisters. Throughout his life John was a hard worker, starting out chopping wood, helping out on farms, and taking care of his horse to which he raised from a foal and travelling from place to place for work when he was working on the railroad, until he moved to Chetwynd in 1967. A few years later in 1969 John started work at a local sawmill, Canfor where John keep working for 39 years until his retirement in September 2008. John met, and fell in love with Linda in 1972. They were married many years later in the summer of 1994. The Drifters were a baseball team that John started in 1983, he then asked his brother Ray to coach the team. With the help of his brother Ray the Drifters baseball team continued to be a team for many years. The Drifters were known as a sportsman like team and were invited to many out of town baseball tournaments. The Drifters would not have been possible if it wasn't for the team effort and dedication by John. John always had words of encouragement, wisdom and made anyone feel special and accepted in his life. If John wasn't lacing up for the ball, he was lacing up for work, these were his two main hobbies. John passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2012 in Chetwynd at the age of 68years. A wake was held on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Chetwynd Royal Canadian Legion Hall. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Chetwynd, Fr. Vener Sabocan officiated, Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. John is survived by his wife; Linda, Children; Irvin Blue, Dorothy Blue, Lenora Courtoreille, Corina Courtoreille, Sherry Gurney, Peter Gurney, Lorrain Courtoreille, Treana Courtoreille, and Candace Courtoreille, Charleen Courtoreille,24 Grandchildren,11 Great-Grandchildren,7 Brothers, 4 Sisters, Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Extended Grandchildren and special friends. John is predeceased by his loving parents; Hardy and Helen Courtoreille, Sister; Dorothy Courtoreille, Son; Frankie, and baby boy Blue,Daughters; Corina, Brenda, Sophia, Grandchildren; Erica, Kaitlynn, and Rolland. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium