September 16, 1941 - March 24, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Tibolt. He passed away peacefully in Chilliwack, BC, just shy of his 80th birthday.
John grew up in the Kooteneys, in the mining community of Natal, BC. John excelled at hockey growing up, developing a passion for the sport, that would continue his whole life. He loved, the Leafs, and, as far as players, # 9 for the Red Wings, was his guy. As a young man, John worked in the mines to save enough money to put himself through university.
He attended UVic and UBC, achieving distinction in both, becoming a high school teacher of mathematics, physics, woodwork, house construction, and electronics - with Math and building being driving passions. He also enjoyed coaching basketball and pole vaulting.
John met his wife, Valmai, while teaching in Lillooet. They married in Wales and moved to Fernie where they taught together for three years, before eventually moving to Chilliwack where they would start their own family.
John was meticulous in everything he did. It was all-or-nothing for him - "Don't do it half-assed," he'd say, even if a project had to be started all over again from scratch. John took immense pride in his work.
He had an insatiable curiosity that inspired him to know how something, worked. There weren't many things he couldn't either fix, or build himself - with his complete restoration of the '51 Chevy truck, being one of his proudest accomplishments. J
ohn was always willing to help a friend in need. He enjoyed socializing and meeting new people wherever he went. John especially enjoyed speaking in Czech as it reminded him of his childhood.
John is survived by Val, his wife of 51 years, son Daniel, daughter Monica (Rick) Padgham, grandchildren Jasmine, Chelsea, Brandt, and sister Anne (Alex).
Due to these challenging times, the family invites friends, acquaintances, or former students to send a message or share a story of John via email: valmaijtibolt@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ann Davis Transition Society or Creative Centre Society at creativecentresociety.org
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