North Bay Nugget; North Bay ON Canada; 1999-5-31

LAKING, John Allan- Passed away Monday, May 31, 1999, at the North Bay
General Hospital, Scollard Site, after a lengthy illness. Born in Kearney,
Ontario where he attended primary school and then on to Burks Falls for
his secondary education. Alan worked for Bell Canada for several years
and during that time he was loaned to the U.S. Airforce, stationed in
Goose Bay, Labrador, for his diesel expertise. He then worked at Meldon
Construction as Mechanical Superintendent. Next he was employed at Donbay
Industries parquet flooring plant as plant manager. Following this, he
was employed by Superior Hovercraft as Test Pilot and Flight Engineer,
but left, rather than being transferred to Saudi Arabia. Alan spent five
years at North Bay Civic Hospital as Director of Plant Maintenance before
purchasing the Singer Store, a new type of career, which he thoroughly
enjoyed. Alan was renowned for his technical ability in the repair of
sewing machines and has customers from all over Ontario. He will be
sorely missed for his expertise. Alan is survived by his wife and best
friend Jean (nee Woodhouse) whom he married 30 years ago; son Michael
of Prescott, Ontario,;son Ted (Rhonda) of Vauxhall, Alberta, daughter
Nancy (Russel) fo Keswick, Ontario, brother Gordon (Brenda) of Orono,
Ontario.;sister Betty Martin, Powassan; granddaughter Amanda, nieces and
nephews also survive. A long time member of Calvin, Presbyterian Church,
where he served on the Board of Managers and he and Jean sang in the choir
for 20 years. He was a member of the North Bay Rotary Club, North Bay
Lodge No. 617, A.F.&A.M., St. John's Chapter Royal Arch Masons No. 103,
a 32 degree member of North Bay Lodge fo Perfection where he served as
Grand Master in 1987. He and Jean were members of the North Bay Choral
Society for 22 years and were both on The Board of Directors of the North
Bay Symphony for three years. Both Alan and Jean were fond of ballroom
dancing and enjoyed being members of Club 45. Fond of travelling, they
went on many vacations together, their favourite vacation spot being
Hawaii where they vacationed seven times. Friends may call at the Martyn
Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral services
will be held in Calvin Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 3, at 11
a.m.. Interment to follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. If desired donations
to Canadian Cancer Society will be greatly appreciated.