Jan 25th,1950 – June 14th 2019
John passed away peacefully at home with his partner Vero and his sister Debbie at his side and his beloved cats nearby.
Despite his illness, John kept calm and carried on.
He will be remembered by all that knew him for his quick wit,dry humor, independent thinking and an all around decent human being.
Many thanks to Dr Paul Klimo, the North shore palliative home nurses and Dr Paul Sugar for their compassionate care and allowing John to do it his way.
Donations in John’s memory can be made to the Dr Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation or any animal rescue society of your choice.
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Faye Pedersen
John was all that and more, a truly unique and good man. He was blessed to have Vero by his side for so many years, and for all her love and support. My heartfelt condolences to Vero, Debbie, his family, and many friends. He will be deeply missed.
Dave and Kory
So glad two of his favorite people were with him at the end. Peace and love John
Clara Soyris
To Vero, his partner and Debbie, his sister,
I would like to share with you this poem to re-comfort you as I can in these difficult days.
CS
”
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
”
The text can be found in French with this title: “la mort n’est qu’un passage”.
Take care,
Clara
Karl Rutka
I worked with John W, as he was affectionately referred to at the West Vancouver School District, for more than twenty years. At one time we had three “Johns” working in the Electronics Department, so the last initial was important. In John W’s case however, it was also a kind of endearment.
I was this School District Locksmith so John’s expertise meant that we collaborated on many problem solving adventures where security, fire safety, and the intruder alarm system, overlapped in our respective job descriptions. John’s logical and intuitive approach to his work was a tremendous asset on the job that usually left me admiring his cleaver solutions to the challenges we faced.
Over our tenure we developed a close friendship, and I truly appreciated John’s sincerity, willingness to lend a hand, and of course his quick wit and sense of humour. It’s difficult to say, in just a few words, all that we shared that formed the memory of John W I will always hold dear. I’m so sorry he didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy the retirement he prepared for.
John will always have a place in our hearts and memories as our good friend and co worker. God bless you, good friend. I hope we meet again!
Janice Fisher
My heart is heavy for you Vero, because I
know how much you loved him.
God bless you both.
Deb Donnelly
I worked with John at West Vancouver school and he was the man you always were happy to see and share a laugh with, he always was making people laugh and feel better about their day after sharing time with him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Rene Dufaut
To John’s Family ,My Condolences. I had the pleasure of working with John at West Vancouver School District 45.John was well liked,he had a quick wit,dry humour ,&a good sense of humour .John was straight forward.* So I say John* A wave ,A tear, A farewell* Forever it will be a special moment*,You will be missed John**
Maureen Smiley
I was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. As the former Principal of Rockridge Secondary, I valued John’s advice and great sense of humour as we tried to trouble shoot all the inevitable hiccups that come with electronics and a new building. No problem fazed John and for this I was so appreciative. He was always there when you needed help as were all the Facilities crew during the opening year of the school and beyond. My sincere condolences to John’s family. This was far too soon for such a kind and warm hearted gentleman.
Dan cunningham
I met John many years ago at about the same time I met Debbie and Mike. They were all friends of my wife Karen, and although I haven’t seen John for many years, just last week I was in Italy and mentioned Johns name to one of my sons when I saw a Fiat 131 4 door sedan. John sold a very good one of those to my wife Karen who bought it as a gift for me…..one of the best cars I’ve ever owned ! Brought me a ton of good luck . I had thanked John for that a long time ago . My mother was helped by Dr. Klimo years ago so I’m sure he was in the best of hands. My sympathy to all of Johns friends and relatives, especially Debbie and the cats. DAN CUNNINGHAM [email protected]
Véronique Espiritu
“Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard but always near.
Still loved, still missed and forever dear.”
My heartfelt condolences to Véro and John’s family.
Véro…cest Véro…je suis là pour toi ❤
Gelina Gillas
Such a wonderful friend. I will surely miss our walks, golf, interesting discussions, the happy times and ‘tea and cats’ sessions! He will always be ‘Our John’. His delicious humour made us all laugh so, when he came to our house for dinner or a bbq. He was ‘joyfully intelligent’ and I valued his opinion. He was kind and caring in his own special way and I am grateful that we shared the path for as long as we did. I offer my sincerest wishes for peace and comfort to his family and friends.
cynthia fox
I have known John since working at the Cove in Horseshoe Bay in 1970. Happily, we maintained that friendship, and I have many happy memories of John’s warmth and endearing sense of humor! Thank you, Vero, for loving him so much over the years. Although I never met you, he always spoke of you when I visited for tea. So glad both you and Debbie were with him. When I saw him last year, he shared pictures of our youth. I am so sorry we won’t be able to laugh over our foolish youthfulness again. So sorry for his loss, and the very empty space his passing leaves. My sincerest condolences Vero, and Debbie. Thank you also, Vero, for returning my call yesterday when I was hoping to stop and enjoy a tea with John. I had no idea he had passed; very kind of you to let me know. You are well loved by many, John, and may your path onwards be gentle.I will miss you. Cyndy (Lawrie)
Doreen Johnson (nee Parkes)
I came across John’s obituary quite by accident this week and thought to myself, certainly this can’t be my John. Sadly, as I read further, I discovered that it indeed was. John and I were friends way, way back in high school and for a few years, he was a very important part of my life. After a time, we parted ways. He continued with his life and I with mine but I never forgot about him. I am so sorry for his loved ones and friends. I don’t know what he was like in later life, but during the time that I knew him, he was very special. I’m know he’ll be missed by all who loved him.
karen cunningham
When i think of my youth I think of John, too many nights at the Ritz with our little gang but many laughs and
good times. Thanks to John I owned 3 Fiats, know what a roy rogers steering column is and the merits of a corsair.
Recently he remembered the name of my long gone cats – from 45 years ago! Rest in peace John.
Jessica Hannon
Growing up and visiting Debbie and Mike’s at Pinintan every summer for the friends reunion was a highlight as a kid, and John was one of the “fun uncles” who always had time for Erin and I. His gentle, thoughtful kindness never precluded him from deploying his sharp wit, and he was often the “straight man” in the unofficial comedy troupe of friends, to great effect: His quieter deadpan humour was a perfect counterpoint. John, you are very loved and will be dearly missed. Sending love to Debbie and Mike and Vero, and all who loved John. xo