John Robert Westhoven

John Westhoven born Melvin Wood November 6, 1965-August 30, 2025. John was born in Winnipeg Manitoba. John was given up at birth and at the age of two he was adopted by the Westhoven family of Beausejour Manitoba. In 2007, John came into the lives of his biological family of brothers and sister and his many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.

John worked at Bison for over 25 years as a truck driver until running into health issues. He remained working at Bison in the shop and developed a close relationship with many of his coworkers. John was on dialysis for 13 years and was excited to be able to get called for a transplant and even had plans to go on big fishing trip with his friend. Sadly, things did not go well after the transplant due to complications, and he passed away within 2 weeks after his long-awaited transplant. John was passionate about fishing in both summer and winter months, and he would go every time he had an opportunity. He often talked about sharing his cooking skills with his coworkers at work which he enjoyed. He would often share “John” jokes with friends and family on a daily basis. He was loved by everyone that was fortunate enough to know him.

John was pre-deceased by his biological parents, Minnie and Raymond Stevenson and his biological brother Tim Wood and his adoptive parents, Peter and Margareta Westhoven. He leaves to mourn his untimely passing by his brothers and sister, Glen Westhoven (Celina), Keith Wood (Cecilia), Ken Little (Leanne), Jennifer Stevenson and Ray “Co-Co” Stevenson (Rhonda).

John had a special relationship with his niece Talia Gibson (Ryan) and her children. He will also be dearly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews who were always happy to see him.

John will be re-united with his biological parents, Raymond and Minnie Stevenson and brother, Tim Wood and with his adoptive parents, Peter and Margareta in the spirit world.

A celebration of life will be held on September 18, 2025, at Eternal Grace Funeral Home at 1111 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. John’s ashes will be returned to the water at a later date where he loved to fish based on his own wishes.

There will be light snack offered following the sharing of memories and stories. The family is open to food being brought to share with his family and many friends.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to the surgeons, doctors and nurses in the SICU at Health Sciences Centre for their compassion and kindness.

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