July 29, 1966 – March 5, 2012
John passed away peacefully at home March 5 in the company of family and friends. He is survived by his father, Dennis; brothers Paul (Andrea) and David (Rita); sister Pat (Mark); along with nephews Aidan, Alex and Alexei; nieces Elisabeth, Cate and Sophia; extended family and countless friends. He was pre-deceased by his mother in 1996.
John grew up in Williams Lake, B.C., eldest of four children of Dennis and Maureen Coppard, and joined the Canadian Forces in July 1984, at the age of 18. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, graduating in 1988 with a BA in English. He later served as a Maritime Surface Officer with the Canadian Navy aboard various ships in Canada’s Pacific Fleet, including HMCS Provider, HMCS Huron and HMCS Vancouver, before moving to the Forces’ Public Affairs branch. John loved the military for its camaraderie and adventure, but in public affairs he found his niche. He began at CFB Comox, writing news releases about search-and-rescue efforts and spending his off time skiing, sailing and kayaking. Later, he became Deputy Director of Naval Communications in Ottawa with Chief of Maritime Staff Public Affairs, and was deployed on operations in the Balkans as a public information officer with the NATO stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In 2006, John was posted as a strategic communications advisor to the government of Afghanistan in Kabul, as part of Canada’s Strategic Advisory Team. John immediately took to Afghanistan, the country and the people. He loved his work and life in Kabul, from advising ministers to touring the countryside and meeting new friends from all over the world. Once he’d tasted the experience, he wanted to go back. So in 2008, John, now a naval commander, retired from the Canadian Forces and accepted a civilian posting as spokesman for the senior civilian representative for NATO in Afghanistan. In the summer of 2009, however, shortly after having signed on to serve a second term in Afghanistan, he learned he was suffering from a brain tumour and was evacuated to Brussels for surgery. While he was in Brussels, his living unit back in Kabul was badly damaged in an early-morning bombing of NATO headquarters. After the surgery, John returned to Victoria to rest, recover and get treatment, but though he was often tired from chemotherapy, he continued to lead an active life. He worked on behalf of the Conservative candidate in Victoria in the federal election campaign and was active in the Catholic church, devoting his time and energy to pro-life and anti-euthanasia campaigns and serving with the Knights of Columbus, while never neglecting his single malt scotch or the comfy chairs at the Union Club.
His friends and family remember him for his ability to charm people of all walks of life, his sense of humour, intelligence, wit, kindness, positive spirit and, above all, his zest for life. Wherever the action was, he wanted to be part of it. As one of his many friends wrote, “The world is less fun with his departure from it.”
Prayers will be offered Friday, March 16, at 7:00 pm at McCall Brothers Floral Chapel at Johnson and Vancouver streets. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Andrews Cathedral on Saturday, March 17 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow at the Union Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria Hospice Foundation (www.victoriahospice.org), in thanks for the wonderful care provided by the palliative team.
34 Responses
Even though I just met John once this past Christmas, he made a real impression on how much he loved life, people and all things dear. My sincerest condolences for your loss. RIP
John truly was a friend since elementary school in Williams Lake. Looking back on those years I knew he had a special gift. Throughout the years I never saw him turn a person away from getting to know him. He would offer to help to many who never even knew him. Even though we never got to see one another later in life, technology offered a chance to drop one another a small note just to let each other know that we never forgot one another. John, you will never be forgotten. Your charm, wit and warm smile will forever be close to my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend.
A truly special man whom I was fortunate enough to meet a couple of years ago. I could sit and listen to him talk for hours. I will particularly miss his sense of fun and rapid fire wit. My condolences to all who will miss your presence. Till we meet again John.
John was our friend who we met about 3 years ago; at first we had no idea he had been sick and enjoyed him for his fabulous wit and positive spin on life; he loved his Miata, a dram of whiskey and spending time with family and friends. We visited him the week before his passing and even though he was sleepy he still had a smile and quips to keep us on our toes. He’s in our thoughts daily and will be greatly missed but it is heartening to know that he will be remembered by so many.
My sympathies go out to John’s family but also to each one of us….all of John’s many friends…all of us have lost someone very precious. May we all find a way to continue to celebrate his life.
John was a friend for only a short time and he made a huge difference and gave me hope in believing in my dream. His sense of
humour, wit and story telling had many people, including me, in the palm of his hand and heart. John was indeed a genuine person who was always open to help and to give and to participate fully in life.
I will miss him but I know he’s continuing his adventures
in the great beyond with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Sending his family and friends peace and courage during this difficult time.
I will dearly miss this amazing person with whom I had the priviledge and joy to know and appreciate. That smile, those eyes and joy de vivre.. that’s what I’ll always remember and cherish!
To the Coppard family, my sincere condolescence to your loss and of course our loss. Let’s, though, do what John did so well! Embrace life!
Clo Breton
A kind and thoughtful man, a Gentleman with such an aura of dignity and grace. You will be missed.
John was a good friend of mine, and he is missed. My condolences go to his family and other friends. John was unique, in the best of ways, and I truly loved him for it. God speed, Johnny!
My deepest sympathies to Johns family. You’re all in my heart and prayers. His life will continue to be celebrated and his memory will live on, through each person he has ever know.