Passed away peacefully on October 25th, 2006 at Penticton Regional Hospital with his family by his side. John was born in Vernon on June 26, 1938. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Sallie; his children Brenda, Corrine Steensland, Michael (Karen), Sharlynn (Francis) Seabrook, and Theresa (Rob) Lutz, all of Chilliwack; Suzanne Dodd of Vancouver; Joanne (Trevor) Bredin of Kelowna, and 16 wonderful grandchildren. Also surviving, is John’s mother, Edna, of Penticton; his sisters, Yvonne(Al) Olsen of Peachland, Lorraine Jaud of Edmonton; along with numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by brother Ted; father, Jack; stepfather, Mervin Best; brother-in-law Hartly Brown and son-in-law, Dennis Thompson. John took his apprenticeship as a printer with the Vernon News prior to moving to Chilliwack in 1961 where he worked for The Chilliwack Progress for 15 years, before moving to Penticton in 1976 where he worked for the Penticton Herald for about 20 years. John then found his passion working at McNaughton’s Rehabilitation as a job coach and life skills worker. John was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, an honourary member of the Penticton Lions Club, Board President of the Penticton Senior Citizens and Veteran’s Housing Society (Abbott Towers), President of Columbus Park Child Care, and past president of Christopher Housing Society (Columbus Park Family Housing).
A funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 3, 11:00 am, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church (1296 Main Street, Penticton). Prayers will be held on Thursday, November 2, 7:00 pm also at St. Anne’s. In lieu of flowers, donations made to St. Vincent De Paul Society or Discovery House would be greatly appreciated.