We are heartbroken to share that John passed away in Victoria on August 14, 2022, peacefully and surrounded by his loving wife Nancy, and his children Coral and Clark.
John was born Giovanni Agostino in Belgium on August 28, 1952, to his Italian parents Luciano and Marcella Cernoia. When John was three, the family moved to the small community of Red Pass near Jasper, with other families supporting the CN Rail operations there. John’s early years living in that natural environment comprised of hunting and fishing with his father, attending a one-room school house, and developing a strong work ethic as the family settled into their new country. The family moved to Kamloops where John attended high school and lifelong friendships were formed.
John became a journeyman Electrician and began a 35-year career working for the Canadian Telephone and Supply Co., subsequently BC Tel and Telus. A few work postings to the coast resulted in John deciding that Victoria would be the perfect place to live, with its endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
It was in Victoria that John met Nancy, and a love story was launched spanning more than 35 years. John devoted his life to the wellbeing of his wife, children, grandchildren and home. He loved pursuing his many hobbies, especially fishing, motorcycling, travelling, socializing with friends, and building and enjoying the family cabin on Valdes Island. John was a great craftsman who could build or fix anything, and he was a knowledgeable resource when anyone needed help with a project or problem.
John will be deeply missed by Nancy, Coral and Clark, his son-in-law Ross McPhail, his grandchildren Mila and James, an extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews, and his many valued friends. We are all so thankful to have had this great man in our lives.
John successfully fought Multiple Myeloma for over 12 years while still living life to the fullest. It was only this summer that the cancer couldn’t be controlled despite the best efforts of John’s oncology team, led by Dr. Michael Szeto. For those wishing to make a charitable donation in John’s name, he was a supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society, specifically Multiple Myeloma research.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
Nancy, Coral, Clark and family, my deepest condolences. John was wonderful, generous, kind, helpful, knowledgeable, caring, and fun to be with. With John passing there is a big void in our Friday lunch meetings. When I needed help on anything, John was always there for me. He was a wonderful person and we will all miss him dearly. I will always remember John. Thank you to the doctors that did everything they could to extend John’s life, he was very special to everyone that knew him. Rest in peace my friend.
So very sorry for your loss Nancy and family. You all fought this battle so courageously. I’m glad you have so many great memories to keep John close to your hearts.
Much love to you all.
Dear Nancy and Family,
How sorry we were to hear of John’s passing. Through our many family conversations, I learned and appreciated how much of a loved life partner John was for you and how very much he loved his family. You all are in our thoughts and near our hearts. Much love.
Valerie, John and Nathan
Dear Nancy and family,
We are so very sorry and sad to hear of John’s passing. Listening to stories over the years, we know John was a very special husband, father, grandfather, and supportive friend. He is someone we’ve always considered to be a renaissance man because of his many talents. He will be greatly missed. We hope you will draw comfort from your many wonderful memories.
Much love, Shirley and Art
A classic strong and quiet ‘tough guy’, John was a wonderful friend who truly adored his wife and kids. We have fun memories of fishing, family camping trips to Valdes, and New Year’s celebrations over many years. He was a forever friend who fought his illness quietly and courageously — he will be forever missed and always remembered.
Dear Nancy, Coral and Clark,
My sympathies during this sad and challenging time for all of your family. I had the pleasure of having Coral and Clark in my grade 5 class at Lake Hill Elementary and quickly recognized in them a strong, supportive Mom and Dad.
Sheanne O’Sullivan
Dear Nancy,
Our thoughts are with you and your family during these very difficult times. You and John were always so positive and supportive of one another during all those years. You embraced life every day in a way that was inspiring to us. Take care.
Carmen and Greg
Dear Nancy,
I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. I hope your grief will be softened by the happy memories. All my best.
John was such a fun-loving optimistic guy, I thought he would have this thing under control forever, so I am very sad to hear he lost this battle.
We did not see each other much in recent years but I will surely miss those laugh-filled times talking on the phone.
To Nancy, Coral and Clack my deepest, sincere condolences.
Love to you all,
Roger Allen and Pearl Roberts
Dear Nancy, Coral, Ross, Clark, Mila, James, and extended family,
Dan and I were very sad to read about John’s recent passing.
He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandparent, and friend to those who mattered most.
A lovely man who will be truly missed!
Sending love and healing energy,
The Korolyk Family