John died peacefully on September 11, 2020 in Extended Care at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, where he had been in the excellent care of the nursing staff in Unit 1. He was born on March 10, 1942 in Duncan, British Columbia. John is survived by his best friend and loving wife Wendy; their children Philip, and Gillian (Wesley); his brother George (Judith); and many other family members.
John moved to the peninsula in 1944, where he would wind up spending the rest of his life. John delivered oil for C.J. McDowell, before beginning work for Russell Kerr Fuels. This is when he and Wendy met, and he began dating the boss’ daughter. Wendy and John were married on July 28, 1979, surrounded by their friends and family. In 1986, John, Wendy, and Philip moved from Sidney to North Saanich, where John began his career with the District of North Saanich, and the family of 3 welcomed Gillian into the world.
John was an active member of his community, volunteering with the Sidney Fire Department, and was a founding member of the North Saanich Fire Department. After retiring in 2002, John volunteered as a member of the District Parks Council; was a driver and companion for Resthaven Lodge; and helped out at St. John’s United Church with the yardwork and pie-bees (though we suspect he was just in it for the slice of pie at the end).
John was a kind, gentle man; proud of his children, and loved his family very much. John was welcoming and made people feel at ease with the warmth in his eyes, his positive nature and love of laughter.
We would like to give special thanks to Robert Lunn for his incredible dedication to his friendship with John. Rob spent countless evenings with John, visiting him in the hospital, attending Sunday night dinners, and then coming for weekly window visits for the remainder of John’s journey.
John will be deeply missed, though we feel comforted in knowing that his light shines through all those who knew him. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a funeral service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
-
Jeff Elson (In UK)
-
Dave & Holly Horne Dear Wendy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the sad passing of John. We sure have some great memories of the times we shared together at the Army and Navy in Sidney, along with Jock Horne, Walt and Tot Sidwell, and Ron and Joy Scott. We’ll always remember John, his great sense of humour, his kind and caring personality, and his warm, smiling face. We feel very fortunate to have known him…he was truly “one of the good guys”. Please know our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.
-
George Baird Wendy and family. Our greatest condolences in John’s passing. John as we knew him was a very gentle man and loved by all.
He will be missed by all those that knew him and loved him.
We will miss that Braithwaite laugh. His light will always shine down on all of those that knew him.
May God bless Wendy and Family.
George+Gladys Baird
-
BRIAN G CLARK WENDY AND FAMILY WE WERE VERY SADDENED TWO HEAR OF JOHNS PASSING.HIS AFFECTIOUS SMILE AND TWINKLE IN HIS EYES WOULD LIGHT UP THE TOWN.HE WAS VERY KIND AN COMPASSIONATE A BIG TEDDY BEAR.HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.CONDOLENCES BRIAN G CLARK AND FAMILY.PS.KEEP SMILING JOHN.
-
Reid Hannan Dear family – I haven’t seen much of John over he past 50-60 years but I do remember him when we were working together on the ramp at the Victoria airport and then he would come flying with me when I was taking my license.
I next bumped into him at Resthaven Lodge in Sidney when my wife, Lynn, was admitted in 2012, John was obviously a favorite amoung the staff and it didn’t long to find out why!
He was a great Guy, glad I knew him.
-
Myrna Fox So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He truly was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The countless hours of chatting with residents, his bus drives, lovely laugh and smiles brightened the days of many. His bringing flats of fresh berries for healthy treats and so many thoughtful words of encouragement to all he met. He was an outstanding example of a caring volunteer at Rest Haven Lodge for many years. He was always proud to share stories of his family. Condolences to Wendy and family.
-
Paul & Diane Shade Wendy, Philip & Gillian,
Paul and I were saddened to hear of John’s Passing
He was always such a kind gentle mannered man
Treasure your wonderful memories and know he is at peace
You are all in our thoughts
Paul and Diane Shade
-
John Latta Wendy & Family;
So sorry to hear about John’s passing; like all his friends we have many good and happy memories: going way back from John delivering oil and admiring our daughter Kim, church events, and then the many enjoyable and happy days at the North Saanich Fire Department. He had a great laugh.
Our condolences
John & Gail Latta
-
Ted Daly Dear Wendy , Phil and Gillian
I am so sorry to hear that John has recently passed away. I know he was well taken care of at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, but I am certain it must have been hard for you all with the COVID restrictions. John was a lovely caring man with a great sense of humour, and I am blessed for having met him. May the lovely memories you all have bring you peace now and into the future.
-
Sandra A Milne Wendy and family, So sorry to hear about Johnny’s passing. He was a lovely guy, so gentle and friendly. May you be comforted by knowing he is at peace. Sympathies and condolences to you all. Hugs from Sandra Milne. (Ex Lunn’s employee).
Wendy and family, Sorry to hear of Johns death, Its been a long time since we were in contact and I trust the family are looking after you.