Obituary of John Jacob Cennon

It is with deep sadness, that the family of John Jacob (JJ) Cennon announce his passing. John slipped away peacefully in the morning hours of Friday, January 29, 2016 at his residence, Sherbrooke Community Centre - Veterans Village. John was born on Friday October 13,1922 to Nicholas and Katherine (Petryk/Patrick) Cennon in Saskatoon, Sk. John graduated from Bedford Road Collegiate in 1940; he went on from there to work for CFQC Radio in Saskatoon. John loved music playing the violin, base fiddle, mandolin and drums; honing his skills in such dance bands as Jackie Cennon and his Hilly Billy Dance Gang in the thirties to the Rhythm Rogues in the Fifties and Sixties. John then joined the Canadian Forces and was a member of the Canadian Forces Radio Services throughout World War Two. He was stationed in England, where he was smitten by Sadie Harper and they later married in December of 1945. He spent the last months of his tour in Germany during the cleanup and repatriation. John and Sadie returned to Saskatoon, where they were blessed with two daughters, Janet and Gale. With a handshake and the promise of opportunity, John and his young family moved to Prince Albert; on December 1,1948 he began work at CKBI Radio and later television in 1957. It was in Prince Albert that John and Sadie's family grew, with the addition of three sons; Robin, Patrick and Paul. He was the Production Manager for CKBI Television and master of ceremonies for a least two regular radio programs. The "Wake Up, Shake UP Show" in the morning and I know many will remember "Its Five Minutes to 8:00" and the television show "Spotlight on Talent". John's broadcasting career got an early start when, at the age of 12, he won a CFQC talent contest sponsored by the Hudson's Bay store in his native Saskatoon. At 16, he was leading his own dance band on a radio program sponsored by the Dairy Pool. A life of Public Service & Community Contributions. Member of St Alban's Cathedral and choir for more than thirty years. Past President and Past Deputy Governor with the Kinsmen Club Member of the Foundation Committee for Telemiracle. Member of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce. Chair of the Tourist Convention Committee Served as a Director of the United Appeal. Instigator for the re-instatement of the Prince Albert Winter Festival -1965. Quarter Century Club Member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. Quarter Century member of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. 1973 named Prince Albert Citizen of the Year. 1980 named to the Order of Canada. Loyal friend of Bill W. for 55 years. Member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Honorary Member of the Prince Albert Cosmopolitan Club. John was predeceased by his loving wife Sadie in May of 1996, his youngest son Paul in 2007, his brothers, Joseph (Mary), Bill and his sister Anne (Dick), and his second wife Darlene. John will be forever remembered by his children Janet, Gale (Robert), Robin (Dolores), and Patrick (Michelle). His grandchildren Candice (Joel), Christopher (Colin), Lars (Jacelyn), Quentin, Amanda, Jon (Lisa), Terry, Dana (Kevin), Elyshia, Graham (Adele), Matthew, Jeff (Mary Jane) and Sandy. Great-Grandchildren, Joshua, Gabriel, Hayden, Lily, Hannah, Erik, Andrew, Charlotte, Alexandra, Jazmyn, Alia, Jace, Zalie, Clarise, Chase, Audrey, Anika, Kylie, Isaiah, Jacob and Sierra. Nieces and Nephews Terry (MaryAnn) Alan (Phyllis), Lois, Louise, Stan and Greg. He will also be fondly remembered by Darlene's children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. John's family would like to thank The Saskatoon Home Care Workers, Saskatoon Cancer Centre Doctors, Medical staff and Support Workers, along with Sherbrooke Veterans Village staff, Houses 10 and 11 who provided care and were his home away from home for over a year. Each of these groups had their own rendition of "Lets all go to Kinistino" which always brought smiles and laughs to Jack. We give thanks for Dad, Granddad, and friend, for who he was to each of us, for the work he did for his family and his community. We are grateful for his humor, his laugh, his smile and the twinkle in his eye. He laughed often and often laughed until the tears flowed. A handshake, and your word was your bond in Dad's world; he was a people person and remembered the people that touched him and his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre or a Non-Profit Agency of your choice.