Obituary of John Louis Bampton

John Louis Bampton was born in Southampton England on June 29 , 1922. He was the son of the late Harry and Louise ( Harrison) Bampton. John’s grandfather , Henry James ( known as Jim) Bampton was the one who influenced his Christian walk. At the age of seven his grandfather chose him to go along to the woods with him. With work boots and child sized axe in hand , John would begin to learn the importance of a hard days work. Little did he know that watching his grandfather sit on a old log praying would spark the most wonderful gift, the power of faith. He came from a very musical family. As a child he sang soprano at church and later he joined his grandfather at the Salvation Army, where he learned to play trumpet and drum. In July 1940 , John enlisted in the Royal Air Force in Southampton , England. No matter where he was stationed his passion for music always followed. In 1944 John was posted to the RAF Para-Training School Ringway , Manchester where he was a instructor and took part in 265 jumps. In May 1947, John immigrated to Canada where he began working for Enterprise-Fawcet for several years. He was a incredibly hard worker and quick learner. This would become a great asset in 1953 when he was hired on by Irving Heating Sales. In June of 1964 John started his career with Sumner Inc as a salesman. Little did he know that he would meet the love of his life on one of his sales calls. Through a serious of fortunate events and a lengthy blossoming friendship Renate and John found their second chance at love. On February 7 , 1976 he married Renate and enjoyed almost 41 wonderful years of marriage. John and Renate were a team, working together many years, owning a Kent Homes dealership ( 1976) from which John retired from at the age of 72. They had many adventures together including time spent on his motorcycle, tenting on the beach and later enjoying time at their cottage and boating. John even taught many of the children in the neighbouring cottages how to water ski. With their love of RV’ing they also spent many winters as snow birds in Florida, eventually buying their own little place in Fort Myers. One thing John loved to do was buy flowers for Renate and always found perfect cards for her too. He was a wonderful story teller and a great people person. No matter where he went, there was always someone he knew. He loved people and having great conversation. John was a man of many words , not afraid to voice his opinion or give a guiding hand, especially to his grandchildren. John’s most prized possession was his 1978 MGB , with original interior and exterior. It was a sad day for him when he sold it recently. He loved the game of soccer, whether it was watching it or playing it. His garden, flowers and vegetable, brought him much joy and pleasure over the years but most of all his love for music, especially singing flourished. He spent countless hours celebrating his faith through gospel music, also singing barbershop and directing a ladies barbershop chorus in Sussex. John travelled and sang for many years with the Redemption Trio. There were four words to best describe John: respected, trustworthy, honest and remarkable. Three things in life that made up John Louis Bampton was his faith, his family and his music. He was a celebrated veteran, wonderful husband, father, grandfather , a loving brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. John will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife of over 40 years Renate , his daughters Shirley ( Wayne ) Steeves of Moncton , Doris ( Ralph) Fahey of Truro NS and Susan Mertinat of Drurys Cove; sons Dale ( Karen) Bampton of Riverview, David( Judith) Bampton of Kitchener,ON , Jonnie ( Sheila )Bampton of Calgary. AB.; his brother Roger Bampton of England ; sisters Molly Draper of England and Jennifer Marchant of England ; his grandchildren : Bridget Fahey, Alexander and Jesse Graham, Stephen, Tyler and Sean Bampton , Amanda and Jennifer Bampton, Sean and Shane Bampton. As well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. John Louis Bampton of Drury’s Cove passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Saint John Regional Hospital on January 20, 2017 at the age of 94. John is pre deceased by his brothers : Henry, Raymond and Russell; his grandson Jason Fahey. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, ( 506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Thursday from 1-3 and 6-8pm. The Royal Canadian Legion Sussex Branch #20 will hold a tribute on Thursday evening at 5:45 pm. A service celebrating John’s life will be held at Atlantic Community Church Apohaqui on Friday , January 27, 2017 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers the family recommends a memorial donation be made to the Atlantic Community Church Inc. The family would like to thank all the staff of 4B South, Saint John Regional Hospital for their loving care and kindness during John’s hospital stay. www.wallacefuneralhome.com