We all want to leave our mark on this world – to know our life mattered. Perhaps you want to be remembered for your hobbies, your values, or your accomplishments; John P. Ignatius will be forever remembered by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) for just that. Without John, CFSEA would not exist today.
“John P. Ignatius started the Community Foundation because he wanted to leave a legacy.” – Gerald Maser, Friend
John Paul Ignatius was born in Ashland, Oregon July 17, 1918. His family moved to Alberta in 1919 where they farmed and ranched north of Etzikom, then purchased a property southeast of Seven Persons. John enjoyed a rural lifestyle for more than 80 years. Later, he owned several ranches – one north of Jenner on the Red Deer River, one west of Brooks, another in the Cypress Hills, and finally a ranch south of Irvine, which he continued to operate until his passing.
Early in John’s life he became the founder of new ventures including the Jenner 4-H Multi-Club and remained associated with the Club for over 32 years. He was passionate about leaving a legacy for generations to come in the agriculture sector.
Not only was John a philanthropist when it came to his time, he also found important ways to steward his money for the betterment of the community. His first major act of charitable generosity occurred when he was informed that the new hospital in Medicine Hat was lacking funds for furnishings. At the cost of $22,500, he furnished ten wards at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Later, John donated $25,000 to the Lethbridge Community Foundation to provide scholarships for 4-H members to pursue agricultural careers. This donation made him wonder why Medicine Hat did not have a Community Foundation for the people of Southeastern Alberta.
With the assistance of dedicated volunteers, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta was established on June 26, 1992, with an Act of Legislature of Alberta. John continued to showcase his kindness and generosity by personally donating over $130,000 to help CFSEA get started. In 1998, John established a TX Ranches Baseball Fund, because of his love for baseball and his desire to help the Medicine Hat Youth Baseball Society become sustainable, forever.
True to his desire to leave a legacy, upon John’s passing on January 8, 2000, he gifted the Foundation more than $2.4 million dollars. His financial impact has helped many individuals across Southeastern Alberta.
John Ignatius was a respected cowboy, a man of his word who enjoyed being with friends, playing and watching baseball, visiting with ranchers at cattle auctions, dancing, playing crib, and telling stories over a cup of coffee to anyone who would listen. He was known as a true gentleman who wanted to make a lasting difference. At the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, John will be remembered as the man who worked hard and left his entire life’s savings to help address the changing needs of the people in Southeastern Alberta.
“30 Stories for 30 Years”