John Allen "Al" Kines

John Allen Clifford Kines

Dad was born December 22, 1925 in Ceylon Saskatchewan. He was the 5th baby in his family that grew to 8 children. At the age of 18 in 1943 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he served his country during WW2 on the corvette HMCS Hespeler and the light cruiser HMCS Uganda ships. Once released from the navy at the end of the war he trained in Calgary to become a CTV diesel mechanic. In 1948 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and married his beautiful wife Florence that same year. Together they raised 6 children while stationed in several Air Force bases; Churchill, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Trenton, Medicine Hat and they also lived aboard in Marville France.  Dad retired from the Air Force after 23 years as a heavy duty operator and mechanic. Wanting to be his own boss he opened a landscaping business in Winnipeg.  He became a bus driver for Grey Goose Bus Lines and drove the northern route from Winnipeg to Flin Flon on a regular basis. He loved to drive and he was fortunate to drive many bus chartered trips travelling through Canada and the USA. Over 4 decades he owned several successful businesses: Fas Gas, a muffler shop, a bowling alley, a bulk food store, and most notable was the Swan River Bus Depot where the famous Big Al Burger was born.

In retirement, he continued to be invested in his children and grandchildren. He was always there to help if you were in need. He never stopped learning, earning his real estate licence in his 80’s and embracing technology. At age 96 he was still FaceTime calling his family! He worked on the Kines’ Ancestry. He loved to watch Blue Jays’ Baseball, and a good fight (boxing). He enjoyed watching the soap opera Y & R but preferred the daily antics of Donald Trump on CNN! Dad was charismatic, quick witted and a smart Alec. He was always humorous making you smile and laugh even when times were tough. He had a great love for his family: 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. His greatest love was his wife Florence who he proudly cared for through 74 years of marriage.

Allen has been predeceased by his father Robert Kines, and mother Felicia Kines, sisters:  Margret Cummings, Gertrude Duddy, and Mary Wilson; brothers: Adelbert Kines, Robert Kines, Gordon Kines, and William Kines; and son Brian Kines

Allen will be forever in our hearts, he is survived by his wife Florence Kines; his children: Daryl Kines (Julie), Barry Kines (Laurie), Dale Kines (Debbie), Diane Holinaty, and Debra Trowell (Will); his grandchildren: Sheri Kines, Christine Kines, Travis Kines, Jason Kines, Michelle Kines, Alyssa Kines, Dylan Kines, Shane Holinaty, Steven Holinaty, Olena Holinaty, Ryan Kines, Tina Kines, Rebecca Trowell, and Meagan Trowell; great grandchildren: Bridgette, Ellienna, Mikaela, Dax, Isla, Kate, Elia, and Ashlyn.

Dad lived in Swan River for most of his life and recently came to live in The Pas to be closer to his wife who was living at Northern View Lodge Supportive Housing. Dad also moved into the lodge where he made it home for the past 18 months. Our families will be forever grateful for the kind, loving, and compassionate care he received from the amazing staff, home care team and management at the Northern View Lodge.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date for his family.

In friends so desire, donations to the Northern View Lodge Supportive Housing Program, c/o Northern Health Foundation Inc., 84 Church Street, Flin Flon, Manitoba R8A 1L8 or The Pas Handi-Van, Box 3028, The Pas, Manitoba R9A 1R7, would be appreciated by Al’s family.