November 16, 1943 – May 26, 2011
After a short but strenuous battle with cancer, John passed away quietly and peacefully on May 26. Beloved husband of Mary Bruce and devoted brother to Joan Johnston of Bradford, Ontario, who were by his side as he made his final journey. Survived by brothers-in-law in Bradford, Saint John and Halifax and loving nieces and nephews who were inspired by his life of vision, curiosity and passion.
A man generous in spirit, high intellect and deeply moved by the majesty and wonder of the universe, John was a voracious reader throughout his life. He found joy and was stimulated by the latest discoveries in numerous subjects from quantum physics to the marvel, simplicity and beauty of a tree unfurling its leaves in springtime.
Former Deputy Minister of Lands, Parks and Housing in BC, Assistant Deputy Minister of Forests, Founder of Encorp Pacific, President of Pacific Brewers Distributor and executive with Foothills Hospital in Calgary. John was a mentor to many, an innovator and creative thinker whose presence was large and impact great. He was a friend of Bill W. and was sustained by the strength and support of his friends in Sidney.
During later years John fought numerous battles with fortitude, bravery and discipline. His delicious sense of humour never deserted him and kind heart and humility were ever present. We are grateful that John is now at peace in body and soul.
A heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital and the Cancer Agency in Victoria who cared for John with such dignity, respect and compassion. ln lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific will be gratefully accepted.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 1st in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
39 Responses
Dear Mary – I just heard about this sad news. I have been thinking of you and wondered how you are. so sorry to hear about John. I was glad to be able to meet him after hearing you speak so endearingly about him.
Jeannie
Dear Mary,
Barry and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The world has lost a free spirit, an intellect and one of the kindest people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He made his mark in the best of all possible ways and will never be forgotten by those who knew him.
Please take care of yourself.
Bonnie and Barry
Dearest Mary
My heart and soul go out to you with this sudden loss – may you find strength and feel the love from those near and far.
God Bless you
Dear Mary,
My deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of John. He was without a doubt the best Deputy Minister I had the good fortune to work for. Each walk of life has its own aristocracy; John Johnston was a Prince, one that aspiring executives would do well to emulate.
Ian Leman
Former General Manger – BC Housing
Regional Director – Lands, Parks and Housing, Lower Mainland Region
Dear Mary and family,
So sorry I could not be with you all this afternoon to say goodbye to your husband, John.
I know I will be singing extra hard for you tonight and hope you can feel the positive energy from choir and my heartfelt wishes to you all.
I am sure it is always made more difficult when events take place so rapidly, so take the time you feel you need.
Looking forward to seeing you back with choir.
Liz Owen
My Dear Mary,
I am thinking about you and I am sorry I cannot be at the service.
I will dearly miss John, who was my good friend, my teacher, my role model, and someone who always had time and words of encouragement for me. When I think of John, I think of his smile, his generosity and zest for life.
Sending you and Joan lots of love and hugs.
Lucy & Cam
Mary, just wanted you to know that I think of you often and my thoughts are with you now. John had a precious gift in you and I’m certain he enjoyed sharing every moment of his life with you. Take care.
Dear Mary,
I had the great priviledge of working with John when he was the DM of the BC Ministry of Env’t Lands and Parks and I was working with BC Parks as Acting Director. During those times John’s was one of the few voices of sanity regarding the protection of BC’s special places. I have always held John in very high regard. There was a period when he left for AB that we kind of lost touch, but when you returned to Victoria and joined the Victoria Gyro Club we did reconnect.
John and I shared many stories about our times working within the bureaucracy albeit at different levels, but with overlapping ADM’s etc.
I always enjoyed our contacts whether at Gyro meetings or at Thrifty’s. He always had a smile, a good word, and a remembrance of the good times.
I’ll miss him as will you.
Myh condolences.
Denis Moffatt
PS
I hope that you will continue your connection with the Victoria Gyro Club. and look forward toseeing you at various Gyro functions.
I first met John in the early 90’s when he was involved with Encorp, and he struck me as an optimistic gentleman with great integrity. He was always honourable and courteous to deal with and an all round classy person. I am thankful that I had the priviledge to meet and work with him, and he will be much missed. He lived a full life on this earth and made many contributions both to the province and to the recycling sector. I send my very best wishes to all his family and friends.