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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Lynne McIntyre
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Jacqui & Bill Myles Dear Auntie Ellie, Monique and Melissa
It is with great sadness the passing of your husband and dad.
We have enjoyed many outings with Uncle John and Auntie Ellie. I have many pictures your dad has taken and will cherish each and every one. Uncle John, was definitely one to tell a story or a joke and loved to make people laugh.
Hold onto those memories and each other.
love Bill & Jacqui Myles
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Judy Wiggins I am so sorry to hear that John has passed away. Couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. Always remember him working on his little brown car in the driveway; I think he was pretty proud of it. Of course we shared the love of boating, and it was very handy having two lovely babysitters right next door. We did share the odd silly joke. Cherish the memories.
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Barbara Waldner Dear Ellie.
I extend to you and your family my sincere condolences on your loss of John. I hope that the memories of the wonderful times you had together over many years will be of some consolation to you while experience this very sad season in your life. The love and support of your beloved family, relatives and friends will be of great comfort to you.
With deepest sympathy, Barb Waldner
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Gail Gotto To Ellie and family, I was so sad to hear about John’s passing . I have some lovely memories of our days out on our boats. Sending big hugs to all of you.
Gail Gotto
Ellie, Monique and Melissa
I was so sorry to read about John’s passing. I have such fond memories of our days as neighbours when the kids were small and spent so much time playing together. I have some very cute photos of the three of them. Please accept my sincere condolences to your family at this difficult time.