March 29, 1932 - June 23, 2018
John Lebo, of Creston BC, passed away on June 23, 2018 at Creston Valley Hospital. He was surrounded by his family whose sense of loss is surpassed only by their love for him and their pride in the man that he was.
John was born in Tower City, PA on March 29, 1932 and was a graduate of Tower City High School in 1950. He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served for the next 21 years, doing stints in Korea, Maine, England, Indiana, Vietnam and Arizona.
He married Kathleen Lebo (nee Finnemore) in 1955 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Tower City, Pennsylvania and, together they raised three children: John Lebo Jr., Duane Lebo and David Lebo. He retired from the USAF in 1973 as a flight line crew chief at the rank of Technical Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service. The family settled in Pennsylvania, where John continued his work in support of the military as a civilian at the New Cumberland Army Base in New Cumberland, PA.
John spent these years, and all that followed, supporting the efforts of his family and the community by volunteering to coach baseball teams, lead scout troops, teach Sunday School classes and work tirelessly, along with Kathleen, for the local PTA. The family moved to Calgary, AB in 1980 to pursue business opportunities and eventually, John, Kathleen and John Jr. moved to Creston BC in 1991 where they owned and operated the City Centre Motel until 2006. During this time, John was a member of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce and served in a variety of roles including president. John has enjoyed the last twelve years living in his home in Creston, working in the yard, fishing and being grandpa.
John is survived by his wife Kathleen; his sons John Jr., Duane and David (Melissa); his grandchildren Marjolaine and Genevieve (daughters of Duane), Alyssa and Elliot (daughter and son of David); his sister Peggy Showers of Tower City, PA and her daughters Judy Michaels (Dana), Jill Merrick and April Royer (Keith).
Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 4-1551 Sutherland Ave. Kelowna BC, VlY 9M9.