Mr. John Ross Witham of Sylvan Lake, Alberta passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the age of 73 years. John was born in Toronto, Ontario on March 5, 1946. He was raised in different locations throughout Northern Ontario, as his family moved with Ontario Hydro. John’s Elementary Education took place in many locations; he went to High School at Emery Collegiate Institute in North York, Ontario. John received his B.A. in Canadian History from York University, Toronto, Ontario and his M.A. in Canadian History from the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario. John spent his working life as an employee of Parks Canada, where he did research, site work and management. For almost forty years, John was a member of Scouts Canada, serving in a variety of roles and receiving many awards. He was an enthusiastic member of the Scouts Badgers Club and of the National Association of Federal Retirees. John was heavily involved in the Sylvan Lake Alliance Community Church. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Beverley Witham; their daughters, Catherine Lawrence of Bowmanville, Ontario, Jennifer (Brian) Mann of Stauffer, Alberta and Laura Witham of Edmonton, Alberta; and seven grandchildren. He will also be fondly remembered by his brother, Robert Witham of Spruce Grove, Alberta, and his sisters, Shari Llewellyn of Porter, Texas, U.S.A., Margaret Downer of Toronto, Ontario and Nancy (Vernon) Small of Egbert, Ontario. John was predeceased by a brother, William; a sister, Catherine and a son-in-law, Robert Gary Lawrence. A Funeral Service will be held at the Alliance Community Church, 4404 – 47 Avenue, Sylvan Lake, Alberta on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Rilling officiating. If desired, Memorial Donations in John’s honor may be made directly to T.O.U.C.H. Ministries, c/o Sylvan Lake Alliance Community Church, 4404 – 47 Avenue, Sylvan Lake, Alberta, T4S 1N4. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040 or 1.800.481.7421.