John Alan Acreman passed away peacefully May 1, 2012 surrounded by his family in Didsbury, Alberta after a brief battle with lung cancer. John was born November 29, 1939 in Victoria, B.C to parents Bert and Annie Acreman. John’s parents were founding pioneers of their hometown of Sooke, BC. John shared his mother with the entire community as she was declared by the community the “Mother of Sooke” teaching 3 generations of students at Sooke Elementary School, and his father Bert passed on to his son his love of truck driving and “Uncle” Ralph Strong introducing John to the life of farming. He spent most of his life in Sooke, BC where he met and married his loving wife, Loretta raising 3 children on a small farm where John was a vital part of the community. Whether coaching hockey, umpiring softball or helping 4-H members, he always had time to help out with any community event or organization. John spent a large part of his working life driving off road trucks, heavy equipment, as well as owner operator of his own trucking company, then retiring from truck driving after many years with Butler Bros. Ready Mix in 1995.
Their passion for farming led them to move north to a ranch in Campbell River, BC. ,and after many happy years there they relocated Elk Meadows Ranch to Didsbury, AB. There John was able to continue his passion for farming and raising purebred Red Angus cattle and to be close to his family within central Alberta. John could be seen at many farm and cattle auctions having coffee with old and new friends offering years of wisdom and common sense approach to life issues. John enjoyed many hobbies including his enthusiasm and passion of automotive and metal recycling, often taking him on road trips throughout the rural areas of B.C. and Alberta and Sask. John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Loretta, son Derek (Traci) and granddaughter Kelli, son Lorne (Kathie) and daughter Charlene. A celebration of his life will be held May 30, 2012 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 54 in Sooke, BC at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sooke Region Museum, 2070 Phillips Rd., Sooke, B.C V9Z 1H7. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd, Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com