John (Dad) passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, surrounded by family.
We are saying goodbye to our Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, but we will one day meet again.
John was born in England in 1931, and came to Canada in 1947 with his Father and Sister. He settled in Victoria and completed his high school education at Victoria High. He attended Cadet training at Royal Roads, and also worked as a fishing guide and hand at a marina in Mill Bay.
John went to the University of Manitoba and attained his Bachelor of Architecture in 1956. He worked as a surveyor in Alberta to put himself through school, and met his future wife, Irene, of 59 years. John also completed continued studies and received his Master of Public Administration.
John worked in Victoria, beginning with the architectural firm ‘Burley and Wagg’, before moving on to work in the Ministry of Health for approximately 30 years. He designed dental offices, worked on hospitals, emergency wards and clinics throughout B.C. He also had a hand in the sloping wheelchair accessible sidewalks at intersections, ambulance interiors, the metric conversion committee, and various handicapped accessible committees around town.
Although he was proud of his many contributions during the Ministry of Health years and designing accessible housing for seniors and individuals with varying abilities, he was particularly proud of his iconic Oak Bay Marina and Restaurant design.
John also enjoyed reading, fishing, camping, beekeeping, the cabin at Campbell Lake, and field trips with the Rockhound Club that he and Irene belonged to for many years.
When he retired, he started a consulting business with Irene, and they worked together for a number of years improving Seniors Planning.
John was predeceased by his wife Irene and leaves behind his 6 children; Kari (Dave), Jeremy (Ann), Roderick (Gillian), Gregory, Rory, Ian (Laura), 8 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren.
There will be a private ceremony to honour our father.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Abbyfield Housing or Nigel House.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gerry Vaulkhard
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Carrie Goffinet I was very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He and his wife were always kind to me and I am greatful to have known them. My condolences to your family.
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Tom and Lois Spratt As Christians we do have the confident hope that “one day we will meet again”. We can be thankful to God for that. Condolences to all your family.
John always had a warm greeting for me and my family. I’m sad to hear of his passing. Shirley and I send condolences to your family.