Born Vancouver June 5, 1918, died peacefully after a brave struggle for life on January 11, 2002 at Ladysmith General Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Richard and Herbert. Survived by his loving wife Audrey, and daughters Joan Henriques in England and Janet Fenby, Galiano Island; his grandchildren Stephen and Andrea and several nieces and nephews.
John matriculated from Kitsilano HIgh in 1937, where he excelled in athletics, particularly rugby, in which he gained junior and senior letters. Soon after he was engaged by Price Waterhouse and Co., with whom he was articled, moving on to Seagrams and later to BA Chemicals.
John celebrated 53 years as a Chartered Accountant and was a life member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC. After retiring, he continued his involvement in accountancy, providing voluntary accounting services for the community where he and Audrey lived.
As a young man, John served from 1940 to 1941 in the 2nd Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders where he obtained a Certificate of Military Qualification.
He is warmly remembered by his constant friend Jack Stevenson. In 1941 he and Jack travelled to Halifax as acting Probationary Sub-Lieutenants for officer training in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR). In 1942 John was posted to Sydney, Cape Breton Island where John and Audrey were married on April 11, 1942. John served with the RCNVR until 1945 and was a regular participant with Jack in the RCNVR “5” Division reunion. He was a member of St. Mark’s Arts Club throughout his life.
John and Audrey visited England many times between 1974 and 2000 and enjoyed walks in the countryside. But swimming was John’s main love. He once swam from Jericho Beach, Vancouver to Lighthouse Park on the North Shore. When he and Audrey moved to Ladysmith, John became an enthusiastic swimmer in the BC Seniors’ Games, 1990 to 2000. Many will remember his powerful crawl, a picture of effortless ease. John - Dad - will be sadly missed by his family and everyone who knew him. At his request, there was no funeral.
A celebration of John’s life was held at home in Ladysmith on January 19, 2002. Cremation, First Memorial Funeral Services.