John Rene Betts

Obituary

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, John Rene Betts passed away peacefully at the age of 72 in Leduc, Alberta, after battling Alzheimer's disease. John is survived by his wife Cheryl Betts (née Dickson); his four children, Cheryl Yildiz (Vedat), Lisa Pinder (Chris), Kerri Ritchie, and Kyle Ritchie; his grandchildren, Hope, Ethan, Haydn, Livia, and Lain; his brothers, Dennis and Patrick; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. His brother Michael predeceased him in 2013.


John was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and was raised in the maritimes by his parents, Elmer and Aline Betts, alongside his three brothers, Michael, Dennis, and Patrick. He began his career as an air traffic controller (ATC) and continued in ATC until his retirement. He raised his two daughters, Cheryl and Lisa, in Moncton, New Brunswick, before transferring to Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 32, where he met and married Cheryl Anne Betts (née Dickson). Together, they raised their four children in Edmonton, Alberta. John and Cheryl cherished their family vacations throughout Alberta and British Columbia, and together they enjoyed travelling to destinations such as Hawaii, Jamaica, and Arizona, where they spent winters as snowbirds.


John was widely recognized for his sociable nature, excellent sense of humor, and the high regard he held by all who knew him. He possessed a deep set of values and consistently demonstrated a willingness to help others. John had a passion for vehicles and regularly attended racetrack events. Additionally, he got immense enjoyment from sharing his enthusiasm for fishing and watersports with friends and family. John also loved golfing and worked at Triple Creek Golf course while participating in leagues during his retirement. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, friend, and grandfather. His kindness, warm smile, and laughter will be fondly remembered by all.


The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers at Leduc Extendicare and Leduc Community Hospital for their loving and dedicated assistance during John's final months. In lieu of flowers, mourners are invited to donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Click here to visit John's page.  A celebration of life will be held in June 2025, details to follow.

Gallery

Memory wall

April 13, 2025

John (Rocky) was a great guy that I met in Air Traffic Control at the Edmonton Area Control Center. WE both had a love for cars and boats, and he helped me on numerous occasions with my first boat.
ALWAYS a good natured guy and an excellent Air Traffic Controller!

Rick Hubbs (RZ)

April 3, 2025

John left an impression on my life. He was our closest uncle and we spent many summers together. Idaho, Lesser Slave, Wabamun, Pigeon Lake, and so many more. He brought so many memories and experiences I hold dear. Thank you John for being the best uncle we could have had.

I once told you, your heart was too big, but that was a lie. It was always big enough.

Brad Betts

April 3, 2025

John has been an important brother all my life.We had lot's of great adventures from boating,fishing and camping.He always made an effort to visit.John was always there for you and was very generous to all.Love you John, you will be truly missed.

Dennis Betts

April 3, 2025

We got to know John thru his love of golf between Triple Creek and Toka Stick's in Arizona he was a warm and generous man and Judy loved it when he would give her a gimme putt. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to Cheryl and family rest easy John on the 19th green.

Dick Bulmer

April 3, 2025

We got to know John first through our love of schnauzers and then fun summer visits in Arizona. We’ll never forget and always cherish the warm summer nights laughing our butts off. That’s how we will always remember those days. Rest easy and fly high friend ❤️….up where you belong

Renee

April 2, 2025

I’ve known John since 1964 in Fredericton. Both of us living on Montgomery St and having similar friends. John hung out with an older crew but he was always there to protect the younger ones from Frank who hassled us quite frequently. All we had to do was tell John or Richard Smith that Frank was bugging us and they would take care of the situation. Growing up on the top of York street was easier with John and his friends around.
I also want to thank John for all the help he gave me relocating to YEG in 1998. Your info was most helpful. Rest in peace old friend.

Don Joyce

April 2, 2025

Hi Daddio,
You were always there to listen to me, so I know you are listening now. I’m not doing so well Dad,I’m feeling really lost. You were always so good with directions so I know you will help guide me. I admire you Dad, you are such an inspiration and bright light for so many friends and family. I’m so proud of all your accomplishments and to have you as my Dad. I am not sure how I will move forward without hearing your voice, seeing your smile or hearing you say “I love you Dear”. So I have decided, I’m going to take you with me. Send me some signs from time to time to let me know you’re here with me and that you are ok. You taught me so much Dad, how to be there for others, family,honesty, and a Darn good work ethic! You always said when it comes to work whatever you do “always be 15 minutes early, or you are late”! I love you Dad now and always ..I will meet you one day on the 9th hole, I will be there ..15 minutes early..I love you now and always Love Lisa

Lisa Pinder

April 2, 2025

I met John at work when I transferred to Edmonton in 1997. He became a friend and with a common Atlantic Canada background we would chat regularly. We stayed in touch even in retirement and shared snowbird comparisons between Arizona and Florida. While John was a good guy at work, but far more important, he was a real friend and great individual. RIP my friend. Condolences and prayers to Cheryl and all the family.

Bob Milley

April 2, 2025

John was a great man. You always treated me like a son, all the great memories I will cherish. You will be missed
Love you John

Vedat Yildiz

April 2, 2025

Johnny.. what a man. What a Dad. I’ll miss you and think about you everyday. You always made sure the fridge would be stocked with Cold Ones and ya never flinched on making sure I had a full one. Not one to really talk on the phone but the chats and the catch-ups you and I had when we got to sit down were always filled with laughs and a few dirty jokes. Growing up if you were going anywhere I was excited to tag along with you.. even if it was just to the car wash which later Into adults it was running to Walmart together.. picking up the hugest steak you could find cuz you loved to toss it on the bbq and be floored I finished it off. Mad BBQ skills!
Johnny.. I’ll miss you dearly. Amazing dad. Couldn’t ask for another.
Love ya much Johnny. The first Cold One will always have your name on it.
That’s a promise. Until then Johnny. Cheers 🍻
Kyle

Kyle

April 2, 2025

John always had a smile. He was loved by family and friends. You were always welcomed by John to have a beer or a meal.
Rest in peace John and soar to the heavens where many of our personal Angels will welcome you!

Gen Dickson

April 2, 2025

Rest well my love. We had 43 GREAT years a very
good run. We made a great team. Till we see each other again. Love you always, miss you forevermore.

Cheryl Betts