John Rufus Peers, peacefully at Ebenezer Home, in Abbotsford, BC on April 13, 2007, in his 92nd year.
He was predeceased by Beth, (Elizabeth Zimmerman), his loving wife of 65 years and his sister, Myrtle Battye.
John was a loving and devoted father of Ross (Jacqueline), Ellen, Barbara (Jim); proud grandfather of Dan, Christopher, Brent and Tyler.
Born in Vancouver, BC on June 16, 1915, to Ross and Bess, John grew up and was schooled in Vancouver. Living at 49th and Marguerite, he developed life-long school-years and city friendships.
In 1933, with his father, mother and sister, John moved to their Sumas Prairie farm, The Willows. John was a respected and trusted Fraser Valley businessman, both as a farmer and owner-operater of a full-service poultry processing and distribution business (Willows Farms).
It all began in 1939, when John returned from Washington State University, marrying Beth in July of 1940. He served on Sumas Council for eight years, beginning in 1946. He was a member of the Toastmasters in his mid-20’s and his 30’s. John was a Holeinthewall shareholder, President and Honourary Life Member.
An avid golfer, John was a founding member and shareholder of the Chilliwack Golf Club and a of the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver. He spent his winters in Palm Springs/Palm Desert, California and as a member of the Shadow Mountain Golf Club, originated and organized the annual Cam-Am Golf Tournament.
John loved the rural and Sumas Prairie country life and all its bounty and down to earth people (folk). He always planted a large and productive vegetable garden at the farm and his family lived on for 50-plus years and later shared a garden plot at friend Egidio’s.
John, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Father-in-law, Valued Friend known for his outgoing personality, humour, booming voice and integrity, will be fondly remembered and forever in the hearts of, and greatly missed, by family and all who knew him. The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the compassion and professionalism of Ebenezer Home personnel and a special thank you to Dr. Jonathan Winner.
A Graveside Inurnment service will be held on May 1, 2007, at 11:30 am, at Mussel–white Cemetery, Old Yale Rd. at Marshall Rd., in Abbotsford.
Following a graveside ser–vice, friends are invited to gather and join in a celebration of John’s life at the Holeinthewall, 3807 Eldridge Road, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ebenezer Home, 334433 Marshall Rd., Abbotsford, BC V2S 1K8, or in John’s memory, to a charity of your choice.
FIRST MEMORIAL, ALDERGROVE
604-857-0111