1940 - 2024
John Verdell Price of Olds, AB left us peacefully in the afternoon of August 20, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was 83.
John was born on December 31, 1940 in Coniston, ON just six hours shy of being a ‘New Year’s baby’. He was the youngest of three boys of Margaret and Verdell Price.
All three Price boys were avid hockey players with Noel, the oldest, part of the Stanley cup winning team of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1965-66 season. John started his hockey career playing his junior years in Ontario, then moved to Alberta in 1960 to play with the Red Deer Rustlers. From there he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to play in the Eastern Hockey league and finally back to Red Deer, rejoining the Rustlers. While living in Red Deer, John and his first wife Gail had three children before moving to Olds in 1972 when the children were young. John coached and played with the Olds Elks, coached the Olds College team and in 1979 joined the Olds Oldtimers hockey team, where he played until he turned 50. During the summers in Red Deer John spent his time playing in a fastball league, then while in Olds, umpiring and playing golf. In his later years John spent his time watching hockey, the NFL and every weekend whatever golf tournament was on television.
John’s working years took him into the oil patch, building construction, and for eighteen years prior to his retirement he worked as a groundskeeper at the Olds Golf course.
The family would like to express its deepest appreciation to Dr. Duong and the acute care staff for their excellent care and support in making the last week of John’s life as comfortable as possible.
John will be lovingly remembered by Janice Rushinsky, his spouse of 38 years; Gail Price of Calgary, AB, his first wife; children Noel (Cathy) Price of Calgary, AB, Tammy Allen (Les) of Red Deer, AB and Jamie (Carol) Price of Edmonton, AB; grandchildren Chris, Shelby, Maryn and Jenna; brothers Noel (Joann) Price of Kanata, ON, Colvin (Deanna) Price of Coniston, ON; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and his little buddy Max, the cat.
He was predeceased by both parents (Verdell 1994, and Margaret 2000).
As per John’s wishes, there will be no service. Instead, raise a glass in his honor. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
