It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear dad and grandpa John William McConnell on October 14, 2014. John was born May 20, 1943 in Chilliwack, BC. He was raised on several farms in the area where he learned how to work hard alongside his older brothers Jim and Melvin. John left school in grade 9 and shortly afterward joined the army where he served for three years, living two of them in Germany during the Cold War. Upon completion of his tour he received a medal for his time served and he moved to the Yukon where he worked in an asbestos mine for a year. He then made his way to Edmonton where he began his career of choice - plumbing. There he met the love of his life Norma Murphy and they were married in Chilliwack on December 1, 1973. To their union came two children, Shaun in 1975 and Shari in 1976. They joined Jayne, Norma's daughter from a previous marriage and his three children were his pride and joy. In 1986 the family moved to Toronto so John could acquire his journeyman certification as a plumber. After earning this, John moved the family back to his birthplace of Chilliwack and in 1996 John and Norma began managing the Golden West Motel. They loved working alongside one another and together they made a great team. While doing so, John also continued plumbing and he worked long days and long hours between the two jobs. They continued their managerial position until 2005 at which point they both retired. John was a good and loving husband and father and he always tried to do his best in these roles that he cherished the most. Norma, Jayne, Shaun and Shari knew of his infinite love for them. As son-in-laws Steve and Troy joined the family, John welcomed them with open arms and with the same unconditional love. In his younger years, John was an amazing boxer and long distance runner. Later in life his hobbies became reading western novels, walking his beloved dog Buddy, collecting tools, shooting the breeze with good friends and watching the oldies television programs like "The Rifleman". John was a caring and fun person who loved to make other people laugh through jokes or his infamous stories. He especially enjoyed telling stories to his beloved grandchildren and loved to share those that contained a life lesson. Indeed Dallin, Ashton, Jocelyn, Bryanne, Marin and Autumn were the beneficiaries of many lessons encompassed in laughter courtesy of Grandpa McConnell. When "additional" grandchildren Tim, Katie and Eric married into the family, John made sure to share his tales with them as well. We are saddened that Grandpa won't be able to share them personally with his great grandchild Renne but we will remember him fondly as we relay them to her. John leaves all those he loved so dearly to mourn his loss as well as many other family and friends. He was predeceased just 7 short months ago by his beloved Norma after 40 years together. Notwithstanding their individual concurrent battles with cancer, they lovingly and faithfully put each others needs ahead of their own. John fought long and hard after Norma left us despite missing her terribly. We take comfort in knowing that his suffering is over and they are now reunited again. Thank you to the nursing staff at the Cascade Hospice, Dr. Madill, and Dr. Bull for the attentive care John received at your hand. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Monday October 20, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 6300 Tyson Road Chilliwack B.C. with Bishop David Robinson officiating. A reception to meet with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:00am-9:50am. Interment will be at the Chilliwack Cemetery following the funeral.