Jan “John” Deroo
August 19, 1941 – February 25, 2025
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association has been saddened by the loss of active supporter and former chuckwagon judge John Deroo after a lengthy illness on on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. at the age of 83.
John Deroo started his career in the late 1950’s working with some of Canada’s top thoroughbred trainers, and eventually started training race horses for himself in the mid 1970’s training for Gerry Going. Over the years John gained a reputation for his unequivocal knowledge of horses, and for his talent in general and therapeutic care and conditioning of thoroughbreds. John continued to train racehorses on the Alberta circuit until 2010.
On the chuckwagon front, John worked most closely and quietly behind the scenes with the Glass family for many years, and claimed “Tycoon County” for Jason Glass who was named the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence Champion Right Leader in 2008. John could often be found on his ranch caring for and/or rehabilitating many chuckwagon horses, or even back in the chuckwagon barns helping wherever he was needed. In the mid 2000’s John acted as a chuckwagon judge at a number of the Southern Alberta stops on the WPCA Pro Tour.
A tireless and dedicated volunteer, John served for several years on the High River Ag Society and was instrumental in the improvement of the High River fairgrounds and racetrack, highlighted by the construction of a new grandstand that opened in 2000. John was also very active in fundraising efforts for the new grandstand. A man of many talents, John was also known to act as an auctioneer and announcer as well. John also had an extensive background in hockey, working with Amateur Hockey in Airdrie, Alberta, as well as the Mac’s Major Midget Hockey Tournament in Calgary, and the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Dianne, sister Carla (Butch), brother Rob (Terry), daughter Michelle, sons Rene (Hayley) and Michael (Frances), grandchildren Cassandra (Curt), Samantha (Dave), Zarley (Laramie), Dayne, and Thea, and eight great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
At John’s request, there will be no service.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.
In living memory of John Deroo, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.
John will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Deroo family.
Billy Melville
