December 30, 1930 – December 13, 2011
John died at home in Victoria, BC after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Sue of 52 years, daughters Penny (Ian), Kit (Jeremy) and Merion (Dave), and grandchildren Eric and Julia. Born and educated in England, he served with Royal Signals in Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, Borneo, and Britain. Having been Chief Instructor at the Army Outward Bound School in Wales, John’s outdoor adventure and leadership skills led him to emigrate with his young family to British Columbia, where in 1969 he started the first Canadian Outward Bound School near Keremeos. He was executive director with Outward Bound before working for the BC government Sports and Recreation Ministry. John was an active windsurfer, canoeist, SCUBA diver/ instructor and hiker. He committed huge amounts of time to digital map making, preserving recreation land use areas, preparing and presenting multimedia workshops, and travelling the world (SE Asia, E. Europe, Africa, Bermuda) consulting for Outward Bound International. He will be remembered for his positive, energetic and practical outlook on all challenges he faced.
Thank you to all our good friends, VIHA and Hospice for their care and support. A celebration of John’s life will be held at McCall Brothers on Friday, December 30, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice, Outward Bound Canada or the Land Conservancy of BC. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
38 Responses
John was an important figure in my life even though I only knew him briefly as a student in the first Outward Bound class at Keromeos.
I went into that course as a kid with a bad attitude and came out a young man with an idea that life might actually be some fun. That was largely due to “The Major’s” enthusiasm and insistence that each student had it in them to succeed. I am truly grateful for having met him and saddened for your loss.
Thanks John.
I attended the K-70 August 1970 Outward Bound School at Keremeos at the age of 16, having heard John give an impassioned speech and slide show at my high school. “The Major” was the force behind the success of the program. His energy, drive and enthusiasm was an inspiration to an impressionable teenager. I am truly saddened for your loss.
Sue, my sincere condolences on John’s passing. I am very sorry that I did not know about it in time to attend the memorial, which I very much would have liked to do.
There are two phrases that immediately spring to mind whenever I think of John: “chronically enthusiastic” and “ready, aye, ready.”
Who could forget John, introducing the staff at Pemberton to Hash House Harriers? Who was this crazy old Hare, who clearly was thoroughly enjoying himself, and leading everyone on a merry chase. His enthusiasm, as always, so contagious. Everyone soaked, breathless and muddy.
Or you and John, arriving in full Swiss mountain regalia at the first Outward Bound fund raising event in Vancouver.
John was the consummate OB supporter. Whenever help was needed, he was there. I personally appreciated his readiness and willingness, during my turn at the helm. Never judgemental, never having an axe to grind, never having any agenda other than to contribute to something he so passionately believed in. He was the founding Executive Director over 40 years ago, then, as a volunteer, came, and went, over the following years as needed, as asked and without complaint. A complaint from John? I can’t imagine.
Thanks John.
Andrew Orr
Executive Director, Outward Bound Western Canada
1991 – 1998
I was so very sorry to hear of John’s Passing & I offer my condolences to his wife & family.
John was kind enough to write & over the years perfect a computer program for the B.C.Horseshoe Ass.. As an executive member of the association I had the pleasure of working with him in getting the program started. It didn’t take long to be way over my head but John continued working with other members to improve & perfect the program. He was always available for us when ever we had computer problems & he is well known & appreciated by all of our statistations. He will be remembered. Dorothy Butts
I met John many years ago, as a member of the BC Horseshoe Association. At the time we were looking for some sort of ststs program to keep proper records. John created the porgram which many of us still. We would like to thank John for what he did for all of us in horseshoes, not just in Canada but the United States.
Rest in peace my friend, we will miss you.
We as a family are so heartened by the lovely messages on John’s passing. I like to think that he is hiking in heavenly hills with his many wonderful companions and friends from our 54 years together. We all miss John and his huge smile – he was upbeat until the end and always felt he had a wonderful life, full of challenge and adventures and good people. Of course we will miss him, but know there are many in this funny old world who will keep in pursuit of his ideals – to serve to strive and not to yield – the outward Bound philosophy he held so dear.
“With enthusiasm anything is possible”, John exemplified that statement and as such was a true inspiration to all.
We shall never forget his spirit, his compassion and his strength.
Sue, we are so saddened to have just received this news and to have missed his Memorial Service.
Our sincerest condolences
Reg and Amy Allen
Dear John,
This such a sudden and painful…
As friends, we should have shaken our good hands before another voyage of life.
The time we share was so little but the thought not.
My friend, I will remember for a long long time.
Ji Ho