Kevin Berger – Leader Staff
John Litke, a local businessman who operated a men’s clothing store in Barrhead for nearly five decades, passed away on May 24 at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre. He was 92.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wanda; their three sons Dean, Jay and Del Litke; their daughter Heather Baker; his sister Kathy Wright of Sherwood Park; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Litke originally hailed from Hanna, Alta., but he also lived in Calgary and Grande Prairie. Working as a clothier and a dry goods salesman.
He and his family came to Barrhead when he purchased a men’s clothing store in 1957. That store, which he renamed as John’s Men’s Wear, is still open today and is operated by his son-in-law Karl Baker.
In an interview, Baker said he came to work at the store roughly 30 years ago and took it over in the mid-2000s.
Having worked with Litke for some time, Baker indicated he drew in many patrons who were as much interested as visiting with Litke as they were in buying actual clothing.
“He loved people. He was an amazing storyteller and he loved to tell stories. I think that is why all the people really supported him,” he said.
Baker said Litke also had a really good feel for everything, particularly when it came to business. The fact that the store is still open today is a testament to his instincts.
“There aren’t a lot of businesses that have survived since 1957 … especially in a small town,” Baker said.
Bill Stutchbury, who operated Stutchbury Insurance literally next door to John’s Men’s Wear, said that Litke was very involved in the local business community and supported the Chamber of Commerce.
He also sat on the board of directors for Alberta Terminals Ltd. and served as president of the Retail Merchants Association of Canada. He was also appointed to a federal Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce committee as an advisor on the subjects of textile and clothing — a rare appointment for a rural business-owner.
“I think he was always trying to attract industry to Barrhead and was probably responsible for some things coming in,” said Stutchbury.
Litke was also interested in sports, particularly hockey. As his sons grew up, he was always involved in either coaching or managing his sons’ teams; in fact, one of his accomplishments was helping to create the Barrhead Junior Elks hockey club.
“Up until his latter years, hockey was a big, big part of his life,” Baker said.
Litke is also remembered for his assistance of Dr. Hugh Horner, a close friend who served as the Progressive Conservative MLA for the Barrhead constituency from 1971 to 1979, spending some of that time as Agriculture Minister.
Baker said it was likely his love of interacting with people that led him to get so involved with politics.
“You definitely need to be a people person to do that too,” Baker said.
At the municipal level, Litke served for years as chair of the Barrhead Police Commission.
Outside of business and politics, Litke participated in a number of service clubs, including the Kinsmen.
Though he and his wife spent their latter years travelling, eventually John and Wanda’s deteriorating health forced them to stay closer to Barrhead.
Stutchbury said the fact that he retired and stayed in Barrhead shows how “dedicated” he was to the community.
“I think that speaks well of him. He was very comfortable in his own shoes,” Stutchbury said.
