John was born to Hilda (née Ridout) and Charles Pendray in Victoria, B.C. After graduating from Mt. View High School, John studied for a year at Victoria College. Following his college experience, he returned to the family dairy business near Swan Lake to work full time with his father. Mutual friend Ernie Wellwood introduced John and Joyce. In 1948 they married and began their partnership of 63 years.
In the mid-1950’s, John and his father moved the farm to the Blenkinsop Valley. John continued to grow the business, and in time his father retired and his two sons joined him in running the farm. John devoted a lot of time and effort to the development of the dairy industry in British Columbia. He spent 30+ years on the Board of Directors for Island Farms Dairy. He also worked with the B.C. Dairy Foundation and other dairy industry committees. He served terms on the Saanich Police Board and the local Water Advisory Board. John was a champion for local products and local businesses long before that was a popular concept. In the late 1970’s, John and his sons moved the farm to North Saanich. A high energy and very hard-working individual, John accomplished a lot in his 98+ years. Aside from achievements in the dairy industry, he was an expert commercial potato grower and won first prize for his ‘Netted Gem’ potatoes at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
Over the years, many people contributed to the success of the family farm. Thank you to all former staff, as well as family members and friends who worked at the farm.
John will be remembered for his savvy business sense, big smile, gregarious nature, hospitality, love of travelling, and of course, his wonderful garden! He grew delicious vegetables and fruit and gorgeous flowers that he generously shared with family and friends. John was fond of dogs and found great pleasure in raising Labrador puppies. After retirement John enjoyed curling, fishing, and going for trips all over the world with Joyce.
We will miss you, John.
John is survived by his daughter-in-law Linda, children Dianne (Joe), Michael (Cheri), Carol, grandchildren Jennifer, Sarah (Michael), Alicia (Steve), Keely, Sean, great grandchildren Braedan, Trevor, Ashley, Owen, Oliver, and Emily, cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his wife Joyce, parents Hilda & Charles Pendray, stepmother Hazel Pendray, siblings Wilf (Marg), Doreen (Frank), and Elaine (Ken), and eldest son David Pendray.
Thank you to all the family members, as well as neighbours, business, club and church friends who phoned and visited John in his home during the past few years when he was less able to go out. He appreciated each and every one of you!
The family would like to thank the private caregivers who supported John in his home. Thanks also to the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their compassionate care for John.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in John’s name to the ALS Society of BC, or other charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
To the Pendray Family,
I have enjoyed knowing John for over 45 years even though I’m not from Vancouver Island. I worked with John on the Board of the BC Dairy Foundation throughout all of the 1980s and early 1990s. We always had the best of relationships. I remember in 1980 when he assembled a number of smaller farms into one and built a brand new dairy barn and milking set-up from the ground up. The Pendray farm became a well-established destination for untold numbers of school groups, political gatherings and all manner of other events and visitors. John’s spotless leading edge dairy farm was right next to the airport, close to the ferries and not very far from the Legislature. John was an outstanding farmer and co-op leader. He worked hard for the things he believed in and was relentless in making things better for the farmers on Vancouver Island. It was a privilege to work with him.
OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE PENDRAY FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF MR. PENDRAY.
WE LIVED NEXT TO THE PENDRAY BLENKINSOP FARM 50 YEARS AGO AND ADMIRED THE HARD WORK AND INTEGRITY OF MR. PENDRAY AND HIS FAMILY.
SENDING YOU OUR BLESSINGS ANDREA & GARRY BELLAGENTE