John Robert Levey died peacefully on November, 16, 2022.
Kind and generous, John was truly a man of the world. He was born in England in 1934. After qualifying as a chartered accountant, he lived and worked in Tanzania, Jamaica, Hamilton (only lasted one winter), and Vancouver before finding nirvana on the Saanich Peninsula.
John loved the West Coast – working at UVic, spending time at Camp Indralaya, visiting Tofino, and kayaking up and down the coast. His greatest feat may have been crossing the Salish Sea from Cordova Bay to Orcas Island at the age of 84!
John had a dry sense of humour and loved a good laugh. He will be remembered for his limericks that celebrated milestones in the lives of his family and friends, and his annual performance of The King’s Breakfast – a “little bit of butter” anyone?
Throughout his life John enjoyed X-Country running, tennis, squash, sailing, ocean kayaking, biking, hiking, swimming, woodwork, and beekeeping.
Following retirement, John volunteered as treasurer for several organizations, and was a dedicated volunteer for Elizabeth May and the Green Party.
John is lovingly remembered by his wife Shelagh, his children Andrie (Phil), Susan (Heikki), Amanda (Bruce) and Mark, his grandchildren Shane, Kelsey, Max, Owen, Kate, Alex and Olli, his great- grandson Grant, and his brother Michael (Susan).
John was a good man who lived a good life and was active until a few days before his death.
John loved nature and respected all living things. He was a vegetarian, and for his final act he chose a green burial.
A celebration of life was held on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be sent to the family below.to view service click on arrow below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Tracy Carroll
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Allan Neale My wife, Jan, and I belonged to a book club with John and Shelagh Levey for many years. We enjoyed John for his humour, his gracious demeanour, and his command of the English language. He embodied the essence of the Yiddish work, “mensch”: a person of honour and integrity who is also kind and considerate. John was truly a gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of the word, a man whose qualities we should all emulate. He loved and respected the natural world and walked gently on the Earth. He will be missed by us all. Our sincere condolences to Shelagh and family.
Allan & Janet Neale.
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Dan Kells I knew John for only a few years but it is always a pleasure to meet someone like him who has such obvious enthusiasm for life and brings excellent quality to the work that he does for others. He obviously enjoyed his volunteer time on Elizabeth’s election campaign and we enjoyed having him around to help out. He was such an easy man to know.
Rest in Peace John
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Maureen Gros Dear Mrs. Levey: So sorry to read of your husband’s obit in the TC this morning. You may not remember us, but our kids remember you as one of their first and favorite teachers at GH School. We hope you are doing well, sending our condolences to all of your family. Take care, Maureen, Corey & Kyle Gros.
John was a wonderful man, I always enjoyed seeing him at the barn and at our social gatherings. He had such a great life. Sorry to hear of his passing.