John passed away in Victoria BC on January 25, 2021 at the age of 60 after a yearlong courageous battle with cancer. John was born on March 8, 1960 to parents Jeff and Jane. He was born in Edmonton, Alberta but grew up in BC, spending the first half of his childhood in the interior until moving to Victoria at the age of 12. John was introduced to his soulmate, Janice, through his sister Jennifer when they were teenagers.
John and Janice got married on June 28, 1986 and together they raised two children, Matt and Amanda. John was an extremely talented craftsman. He could create, construct and/or fix just about anything. He was a journeyman glazier by trade and owned and operated his own business, JK Glass Installations. John had been involved in many projects around Greater Victoria and was very well respected by his customers and others in the industry for the exceptional quality of his work that he took pride in. John loved the ocean. He enjoyed fishing with his son and boating with his family. He also liked to go paddle-boarding and snorkeling and just hanging out on the beach with his wife.
John loved to travel with his wife. Their favourite places to go were Hawaii and Las Vegas. They also liked to go on road trips, such as driving to Calgary to see John’s brother Mike and wife Karen or to the Okanagan to visit wineries and fruit stands. John had a silly sense of humour, a characteristic that he passed on to his children, especially his daughter Amanda. Another characteristic he had in common with his daughter was his love for animals. John did his part by rescuing animals in distress, donating frozen foods to Wild Arc, or even just making sure that the wild birds had access to fresh food and water in colder months. John even made sure that the spiders had food!
However John’s favourite animal of all was his parrot Angus who has been a member of the family for 20 years.
He was predeceased by his father Jeff, Brother Tony, Aunt Liz and Cousin Wendy and Grandparents Donald and Marjorie.
John is survived by his wife Janice, his children Matt, Amanda, and Christina. His siblings Mike (Karen), Diane (Rob), Jennifer (Mel), and Patricia (Wendy) as well as his brother-in-law Jason (Sarah), in laws Joan and Les, and his loving mother Jane. Nieces and nephew and Cousin Bill (Gem).
John will be truly missed by those who knew him and those who loved him: his family, his friends, his bird and most of all by his wife, best friend, or who he would call his “love of life”.
How I wish, how I wish you were here,
We’re just two lost souls, swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after Year,
Running around the same old ground,
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
David Gilmour, Roger Waters
Special thanks to 8 South at RJH and to nurses Adam and Britta, and to the palliative care team: Dr. Tara McCallan and Dr. Nathan.
John was cremated January 27, 2021 at McCall Gardens. At John’s request, there will be no memorial service.
In memory of John, contributions can be made to the Wild Arc (BCSPCA) or the BC Cancer Agency (multiple myeloma). Please feel free to leave a few words in the comments.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kathleen Nicholas
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Chester Szostak My deepest condolences. I was thinking of John today and sadly came across this obituary. John and I had good times working together at Wescraft, those cold nights swapping out the engine in his car and making costumes for that halloween dance where we won first prize! John always had an idea on his mind – and we frequently discussed them over a beer. Those were the days! I am saddened that he is gone, too young. I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Janice. Regards, Chester
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Debbie McPherson Dear Janice, Matthew and Amanda, I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Johns passing and holding you all in my thoughts and heart. May you find peace with all the special memories you have made together, my sincerest condolences to you and all of your family. Deb
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Linda Logan Oh my! I know it has been a long time since we have connected, but I just learned of John’s passing. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Janice, Matt and Amanda. My heart and thoughts are with you all at this very hard time. John was a wonderful man.
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Cathy and Don McPherson Thinking of you Janice, Matthew and Amanda. So sorry to read of John’s passing. You have so many wonderful memories to share with the family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Take care Cathy and Don
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Tricia Best Dear Janice, We are so very sorry for the loss of John. Please know that you, Matt and Amanda are in our thoughts and we send our deep condolences to you and your family. Tricia, Brian, Jamal and Jalen
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kenn and alana pearce Janice and family – we are deeply saddened by your loss. John was very talented as we saw with the work he did for us, both in the office, and here at home. The windows he replaced for us will be an ongoing reminder of him.
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Diane Turner My dear sweet brother was always there for me and for that i am grateful.The memories of him giving me a hard time because we had been in Hawaii for 2 days and not gone snorkelling yet ( which he was fanatical about )And also it was all about the turtles, John and Janice always saw them, we weren’t as lucky. As kids we spent endless days in the summer exploring the swamps looking for polywogs, swimming till mom and dad would drag us out of the water.Oh the memories.He will forever be in my heart and my mind. I love you so much John. Your loving sister, Diane xoxo
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Amanda Kyffin Something that was special about my dad was his unconditional love. When I was younger my drive to succeed was always high and my dad was always so proud of me for my accomplishments… but as I got older I seemed to have taken a wrong turn … slight bend in the road that took me to a completely different place than I should have gone … but my dad loved me just the same. He accepted me as I was. He never treated me any differently. Of course he expressed his concern for the path I had taken and made sure I knew that i wouldn’t be alone when the time came for me to want to make changes to my life… but he didn’t drown me with his concern. He just made sure he said what he felt he needed and then left it alone. I don’t believe I could have been more lucky than I was to have a dad like him.
I love you dad
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Lea-Anne My deepest condolences go out to the family, especially to his Wife Janice, my Uncle Mike and Auntie Karen. I remember going to Victoria with my Uncle Mike and Auntie Karen when I was about 10. John took my uncle and I out on his boat to go fishing and the boat broke down in the middle of the ocean. I was a nightmare, hahaha. John was so nice and calm. I will never forget this trip and how welcoming everyone was to me. I know John will be dearly missed and thought of often.
Lots of love to all of you xo
-Lea-Anne
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Binder & Chris Such a beautiful tribute to John. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Our heart felt condolences to you & your family xo
Dear Janice, Although it’s been a long while since we last spoke, you came to mind today when I saw your mum-in-laws obituary in the paper. My deepest condolences on your and your family’s losses this year. I remember you and John back in high school and I am so happy that you found the life long love that shone so brightly in you both back then. Hugs and happy memories.