We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Jochen "John" Gatzemann (Ret’d) of Fort Saskatchewan on 21 July 2021 at the age of 69.
John was born in Miessen, Germany in 1951 and lived in the province of Quebec until he joined the Canadian Forces in 1970. After completing his Basic Firefighting Training course at the Fire School at Canadian Forces Base Bordon ON, he proceeded to CFB Moose Jaw SK on his first posting. John then served on HMCS Nipigon from 1974 to 1976 before being posted to CFB Cold Lake. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1980 and joined Dow Chemical in 1981. John worked with Dow for 25 years until his retirement in 2006 as Fire Chief.
John was an active member of the Masons, the Shiners and the Sweat Lodge. He could always be found at the lake where he enjoyed fishing and golfing. John could never go out without running into someone he knew and stopping to catch up.
Cremation has taken place. A private family ceremony will take place at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
