Dunay – John Martin Dunay Junior of Tilley, passed away in Brooks on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 at the age of 92 years. John was born in Youngstown, Ohio on June 10th, 1927 and moved to Tilley in 1930, with his parents Anna and John Dunay Senior. John received all of his Elementary and High School education in Tilley. After finishing High School, John moved to Calgary to attend the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (SAIT) for welding and mechanics. After completing an apprenticeship program in Calgary, John went on to progress his education in Diesel and Auto Mechanics at the Chicago Vocational Training Corporation Limited, in Edmonton. After finishing his education in 1950, John settled on the family farm in Tilley, where he has resided since. John was the oldest of 10 siblings and became the patriarch of the family after the passing of his parents. He had a deep faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, who guided him throughout his life. Throughout the years, John was an active member of St. Jude’s Parish in Tilley and St. Mary’s Parish in Brooks, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, he dreamt of flying, but the opportunity to farm the family land took precedence. John then lived his dream through his lifelong hobby, building vintage model planes. He enjoyed travelling with family and friends throughout Western Canada and the United States. Throughout his travels he became an avid photographer and filmmaker, which he enjoyed sharing with the family. Saturday nights were meant for travelling to various dance venues around Tilley, and as far as Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, until the night driving became too difficult. Sundays were for Church and then fishing with his friends at Lake Newell. A good break from the chores of home! John was a man who could fix anything mechanical, which was a great asset in farm life. He loved tinkering in his garage and came up with many unique fixes for machinery that seemed irreparable. John was an avid reader throughout his entire life, with an endearing quest to expand his knowledge and personal areas of interest. He will be remembered for his strong handshakes and hugs, his love of family, his quiet demeanor, his integrity and his love of the land. John was predeceased by his parents, Anna and John Dunay Senior, sister Helen Hollenzer, and brothers-in-law; Gerald Orr, John Hollenzer, Robert Hagel and Wesley Tweedle. He is survived by a brother, Edward (Bonnie) Dunay; 7 sisters, Mary Orr, Anne (Cecil) Harnack, Emelie Dunay, Julia Tweedle, Martha Hagel, Cecilia Dunay and Clarice (Ken) Bicknell and numerous nieces and nephews. A Prayer Vigil was held on Monday, March 16th at 7:00 PM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. James Hagel Rev. Marino Infante officiating. Funeral Mass was Celebrated on Tuesday, March 17th at 11:00 AM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. James Hagel and Rev. Marino Infante Celebrants. Active Pallbearers were Vincent Orr, Rodney Harnack, David Dunay, Bradley Tweedle, Bruce Tweedle and Lorne Bicknell. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of John, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #124, 430 – 6th Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8 or to the charity of their choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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