Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, John Philion, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer, complicated by other health issues he faced over the past several years. Even when hope seemed to fade, John’s spirit never dimmed. He always had a joke to tell or a smile to share and fought to be with his family until the very end.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Eleonora (“Ellie”); his daughters, Monique Cornish and Melissa Running; son-in-law Greg Running; grandchildren Aidan Cornish, Griffin Cornish, Sydney Running, and Jayme Running; his brother Richard (Carol); sisters-in-law Rosemary, Carla (Pentti); as well as many adored nieces, nephews and dear friends. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
During his distinguished career, John was a highly respected Research Officer with the Vital Statistics Department and the Public and Preventive Health Division of the BC Ministry of Health. Several of his research papers were published in medical journals, and his work played an important role in shaping public health policy throughout British Columbia. Prior to his work with the Ministry, John taught at several schools on Vancouver Island after graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Mathematics and Statistics.
John was an avid sailor and talented photographer, and one of the founding members of the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club. In later years, he became the club’s official photographer, a role he took seriously and enjoyed immensely. He spent countless hours documenting Sunday race series, regattas, junior sailing camps and programs, Opening Day, Sailpast, the Commodore’s Ball, and many other club events. His love of sailing and photography lives on through the many artistic images he captured of fellow sailors on the water and of treasured family summers aboard the family’s 27-foot O’Day sailboat, Myrmidon.
John will be remembered for his gentle and kind spirit, generosity with his time and talents, quick wit and love of telling jokes, passion for sailing the marinas, bays, and harbours of British Columbia’s West Coast, and remarkable ability to capture moments and stories through photography. Above all, he will be remembered for his deep love for and unwavering dedication to his family.
He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
To honor John’s legacy, a Celebration of Life will be held for family, friends and fellow club members at the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club on Sunday, June 7th from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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