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 will be remembered for his indomitable spirit, his adventurous soul, boundless energy and of course, his generous heart. As friends, we shared many good stories over the years about adventures past, present and future. You were an inspiration John and we will miss you. Our thoughts are with you Sue and family.
MaryLou and Glenn Wakefield
I don´t think I ever met John Hasell, but I heard about him from you, Penny. Such as that your dad windsurfed over to Trial Island sometimes to visit the lighthouse keeper…. And your own outside adventures in Lesotho and elsewhere (even practicing rolls in your double kayak with Ian near Trial island) have so much of Outward Bound in them.
Your family always seemed so very friendly and cheerful; I hope this will help you all to adjust to not having you dad around now.
Uschi
Major John Hasell served with distinction in Gurkha Signals in Malaya and Brunei over 40 years ago and is still remembered by his colleagues with great admiration and affection. He was famed for his energy, enthusiasm and good humour in adversity.
As secretary of the Regimental Association in UK, I offer the sincere condolences of all our members to Sue and her family today and also the following message received from Major Balbir Thapa, now Association Secretary Nepal and living in Kathmandu:
“So sorry to know that we lost yet another friend of the Regiment. Please convey to Mem Saheb and her family members our heartfelt condolences from all Members QGSA Nepal.”
Andrew Carter
Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?
Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away.
Jon was a remarkable man who gave so much but asked so little. He truly epitomised the Outward Bound spirit in giving so much of his time, effort and resources to the Outward Bound community. We will truly miss his courage, tenacity and zest for life.
With deepest condolences, from his friends at Outward Bound Singapore.
Our love & thoughts will be with you today. Sue, from my early childhood until now, yours and John’s adventures have filled me with total admiration and took my breath away. Everything he did was an inspiration to us all,and his wonderful love of the outdoors and challenge will live on through our boys and grandsons. We are SO proud to have had him in the family. Fondest love, Janie & Roger XXi
Dear Sue
I only just learned that your dear John had passed away. I am so sorry. I didn’t know him that well but I always so impressed with his walking and hiking abilities and the stories he had to tell, what an adventurous life he had. My Mum and and Dad always enjoyed a visit with you and John to discuss the family tree. My dear Jack passed away in June after a 6 month illness so I know how you are feeling. Take good care of yourself and try to take on the new year with peace. I am so glad you have children to share your life with.
Thinking of you
Wendy Zachary
I will miss Uncle John and his fantastic tales tales of adventure. Last time we meet at Dalemain, Cumbria he told us that he had used up 8 of his nine lives, racing avalanches, flying helicopters into the treetops in Korea, dangling on rope ladders above ravines, falling off onto rocks and….. getting up again to continue the journey!!!
Only a few months ago we ran across a field to go swimming in the river. Uncle John always had this boundless energy and positivity, helping us all believe that anything is possible if one believes one can do it. Indianna Hasell will be greatly missed by us all !! The memory of John is with all of us and I believe he is very much with us still. Thinking of all the family and especially Sue at this time as you prepare to celebrate John’s life. Sending much love and thanks for the mentoring Uncle John.
For several years I hiked the Sooke Hills with John as a regular in the Thursday Thrashers. His unmatched knowledge of the area, amazing stamina, and upbeat temperament made him a great companion. I regret that I will not be able to attend the scheduled memorial and wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family.
To John’s family, please accept my sincere condolences. I only met John in recent times though the hiking community and the conservation issues we’ve faced. John’s gracious and positive energy was, and will continue to be, a true inspiration. His maps are a work of art! He will be very missed.
Liz
Dear John,
May you enjoy many adventures in the worlds you visit!
Thank you for a great legacy of knowledge and experience,
Thank you for great inspiration of generosity, giving your life and energy to an organization that connects with your deeper values and beliefs!
You will always be in our hearts,
José Antonio