Aug 8, 1929 - Apr 17, 2018
John passed away peacefully Tuesday evening at the Cascade Hospice in Chilliwack, surrounded by his loving family.
Survived by his dear wife Barbara, daughters Janet (Cam) and Mary (Dave), sons Chris (Susan) and Andrew (Mary-Lee), as well as grandchildren Libby, Alex, Stuart, Cameron, Natalie, Ashlee, Chanelle, Meghan, Morgan and Matthew. He is predeceased by his first wife Betty, parents Jessie and Joseph, brothers Andrew and James, sisters Margaret and Helen.
Born on a farm in Belmont, Manitoba, John joined the RCMP in 1951 at the age of twenty one. He was part of the legendary RCMP Musical Ride and lived and policed in Vernon, Kelowna and Nanaimo, before being transferred to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1965. John retired from the force in 1973 to return to his love of farming; raising purebred Angus cattle on Bramblebrook Farm. A few years later he became the first investigative coroner in the Upper Fraser Valley until his retirement in 1995.
He was involved in many community clubs and projects, most notably the Rotary Club of Chilliwack, Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, Toastmasters International, the B.C. Angus Association and the Chilliwack Harmony Chorus. With his engaging, charismatic personality and irrepressible humour, John always appreciated the best in others and deeply enjoyed friendships with people from all walks of life.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of Cascades Hospice and Chilliwack General Hospital for their kind and considerate care in his last days.
There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, May 27 at 2 pm at Tzeachten Community Centre, 45855 Promontory Road, Chilliwack.
If friends desire, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Henderson's Funeral Home in care of arrangements, 604-792-1344
www.hendersonsfunerals.com
Henderson's Funeral Home