It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John C. Foote of Pender Island, BC, on November 4th, age 96.
Born in Victoria, BC, on June 14, 1930, John received his early education in Oak Bay, at Willows School and Oak Bay High. He was active in Rugby and Soccer and was awarded a trophy for Good Sportsmanship.
John attended UVic for 2 years. At this time, age 18, he joined the royal Canadian Navy (Reserve). He took his Naval Training each summer and attended University in the winter. He remained active with the Naval Reserve all during his university years, and onwards, for a total of 10 years. His Service was in Canada, and on the high seas.
Following an additional 3 years at UBC, John earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (1953). His business career started with employment at a large forest products company. He then moved to the manufacturing of component homes and roof structures, which led to various overseas assignments. In the latter stages of his work, he was involved with the real estate industry.
John was born into a family associated with the sea. Both his great grandfather and his grandfather (each of the same name, John Calvin Foote) were Master Mariners in the day of Sail. John’s father (also of the same name) was an avid yachtsman. John got the sailing bug early. He was an 80-year member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
John’s spare time always involved fussing around with boats, both power and sail. It was always a case of build, repair, or modify. His last major project was a traditional 32’ Cutter that was finished piece by piece over 5 years by John and his wife Sue. Together they launched it and happily sailed it for the next 35 years. Most of this was in local waters, but some other sailing adventures took them as far as Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.
During this time, John and Sue managed to build their retirement home on Pender Island, another 5-year project. The materials were hewn from the forest in which he spent many years cultivating. His retirement years were spent together with his wife in this beautiful location, with 52 years of memories together.
John is predeceased by his mother, Laura, in 1953 and his father, Calvin, in 1995.
He is survived by his wife Sue and sons Jim (Zhimei), Cal (Vahbeed), Brent (Tara), David, stepson Scott, stepdaughter Cori (Chris), sister Elizabeth and their extended families.
Interment will take place at 12:30 pm at the Pender Island Cemetery on Sunday 15, November 2026, followed by a Celebration of John’s Life at 1:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion on Pender Island, BC, with lunch afterward. We hope you will join us as we Celebrate John’s Life well-lived and share your stories of this much-loved man.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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