Mr. John Mackie Niven

John Mackie Niven passed away at the High River Hospital on Saturday April 6, 2024 at the age of 83 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and true friend to all that knew him. John is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Terri (Neil) and their children Jordan (Brittney), Keaton (Natasha), Mackenzie, Colton, and Steele; daughter Jacquie (Lindsay) and their son Reyd. Along with his great grandchildren, Bo & Harper and Ryker & Swayzie. He is also survived by his sisters Nola (Allan) Lueck, Rilla Loucks and Terry (Harold) Beebe. As well as his sister-in-laws Ann (Bob) Urch, Sandy (Leonard) Stringer and brother-in-law Tony (Iris) Irwin. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Stephen & Lallie, his in-laws; Charlie & Rose Irwin, sisters Margot, Wilma, Nan and their husbands; Dave, Paul & Dave. Sister-in-law Carole Trapp and her husband Mac. As well as nephews Tim Lueck, Brian Lueck, Stephen Loucks, Keith Eamon and niece Vicki Stringer. John was born July 10, 1940 in Regina Saskatchewan. Of the 7 siblings he was the only boy with a brood of sisters to keep him in line. The family lived in Indian Head, Saskatchewan for many years in a home that not only included them but their grandparents as well. John and Sharon were married on October 5th, 1963 in Airdrie, Alberta. In the early years they made their home in Provost, Alberta where they started their family while John worked at the Provost Hospital. He took his Engineering through correspondence and would travel to Edmonton to write the exams. While in Provost he oversaw the construction of a new hospital and became the Director of Facilities upon its completion. Soon a call from Ron Gorsche would present a new opportunity to come to High River, so the family packed up and headed out in December 1979. Again, he would oversee the construction, but of a much larger hospital and be the Director of Facilities once again. Beneath that tall exterior and loud voice was a humble and kind man who would do anything for anyone. His life experiences and love of family made for many hours of conversation, something we will all miss. As a Papa he attended many school concerts, graduations, hockey games and dance recitals and could always be found in the crowd with being so tall. He enjoyed the simple things in life, a good book, glass of wine, a great tv program, a game of crib and of course his family. Many hours were spent together on holidays, celebrating birthdays, camping trips and some travelling but ultimately, he was happiest at home. After retirement he remained busy with consulting and of course there was always some sort of project his daughters and grandkids needed his expert advice and help with. Even though he would say that is what I have son-in-laws for, he would still be there supervising. There aren’t enough words to capture what he meant to all of us. However, we will treasure the time and memories made while he was. We were blessed to have him and all the wisdom and life lessons he shared for which we will be eternally grateful for. He truly believed that everyone deserved a chance no matter what the circumstances. A heartfelt thank you to all the doctors and staff on the 3rd floor of High River Hospital and all those who took time to visit during his stay there. It is somewhat ironic that he passed away in the facility that he oversaw the construction of and then was the Director of Facilities until his retirement. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to the High River District Health Care Foundation in his memory. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Mr. John Mackie Niven

July 10, 1940 - April 6, 2024