Obituary of John Michael Binns

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandad, John Michael Binns Sr, aged 83, in Fort McMurray, Alberta. John passed at the Northern Lights Regional Health Center on the evening of December 15, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.

Mr. B, as he was affectionately known to many, was born in Hednesford, England on June 12, 1940 and moved to Canada nearly four decades later. He was known for his towering yet comforting presence, and while he worked an array of jobs, he dedicated most of his life in service as a firefighter. In 1978, he ventured across the pond to ready a new home for his family in Fort McMurray, where he would serve over thirty years at the Syncrude fire department as emergency coordinator. John was the protector, the comedian, and the problem-solver for so many. For years after retirement, whether shopping around town or attending appointments, there was always someone who would recognize John and take the time to share a memory or two. The numbers of lives he impacted in both his personal and professional life is countless.

John is survived by his daughters Julie (Mike) Binns, Suzy (Terry) Morris; sons John (Tracey) Binns Jr., and Antony (Patricia) Hogan; his grandchildren Mark (Megan), Chelsea (Ryan), Evan, Jessica (Kyle), Mackenzie (TJ), Morgan (Marshall), Emma, Jordan, Madison, Savannah, Ben (Gladys), Lilly (Mat), and Sammy; his great grandchildren Levi, Beau, Oliver, Miller, Lowen, Willow, Mathias, and Laurel; his brother Bernard (Sylvia) Binns; and numerous nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his wife Mary Binns, his parents John and Gladys Binns, and his sisters Maureen Binns and Joyce (Ray) Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Fort McMurray Firefighters Charity Association.

To join the family virtually please click the link below. 

John Binns - Celebration of Life