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.
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jeannie Wexler
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Bonnie DuPont 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
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Beth Doane (MacKinnon) 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
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Ian Leman 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
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Liz Owen 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
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Lucy and Cam 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
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Marina Mowbray 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.
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Denis Moffatt 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.
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Tony Moucachen 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.
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Jim Dickson Dear Mary, John’s family, and John’s many dear friends,
A wise Bible proverb suggests that there is “a friend sticking closer than a brother”. No doubt, all of us feel that way about John. For me personally, John was a mentor, business strategist, and guidance counsellor. His influence affects me today, and I suspect that it will for as long as I live. I had the unique opportunity to travel with John to many parts of Canada, the US west coast, Arizona, and Bermuda. It was in Bermuda that I began to notice his excellent sense of humor. By the end of one dinner, at a very lovely restaurant in Hamilton, John had myself and our waiter howling with laughter. John was expounding the things that shouldn’t be consumed by humans. The next day, John noticed a young boy selling used golf balls on the course where we were playing. Money exchanged hands … but no golf balls. “He needed the money, more than I needed the golf balls” – John exclaimed. Need we say more? I have thought alot about John over the last several weeks, and no doubt will think about him in the weeks and months to come. I will try to recall his many words of wisdom, and hopefully apply them. But more than this, I will always think of him as my friend.
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Peter and Debbe Evans We met John when Pete joined Gyro in 2005. He truly was a Prince of a Man. We are confident that he’s now receiving the answers to all of his questions about life, love and the universe that he admired so much Our condolences go to Mary and all of their family.
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Doug Evans Mary,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. My deepest condolances to you and the family. May you take solace in the fact that he lived a full lifei and is now at peace. John was a valued friend and will be missed.
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Robert and Dawn Bruce Dear Mary, I will always remember the kindness John showed to me from the first time I met him as a child, and throughout my life. It’s difficult to find the words to say how much I admired him and will miss him. I am deeply saddened by his passing and I regret that I did not see him more often over the past few years. We are sorry that we can’t be with you on Wednesday. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers in these days.
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Delcie McLellan Dear Mary: I’m so sorry to read about John. I am thinking about you at this difficult time. …may the memories comfort you and bring you peace. Delcie
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Sandy Sigmund I join with so many others who knew John in offering my deepest sympathy on his passing. John hired me on at Encorp back in 1995 and I must say that John was a great boss. I respected him very much and thought the world of him. His leadership had a great influence on my career path. I know this is a difficult time for you, however, if it is any consolation, John was very much admired and respected, and I can truly say that I have never heard an unkind word spoken about him.
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Bob and Judy Skene Dear Mary – Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. I had the very good fortune of working with John in the 1980’s whilst we were both in government employ. I’ll always remember him for his friendliness and optimism regardless of the circumstances. Our paths only passed again many years later in Gyro but it was obvious to me that John had not changed. Biob Skene
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Mark & Patricia McKenney Dearest Mary
John was a truly remarkable man, and a dear friend. I first met John in 1994, and immediately recognized his wonderful talent of making everyone in a room feel comfortable and important. John got me back playing golf (maybe thats a bad thing ! ) after two decades of abstenance from the game. We had many wonderful days together telling tall tales with friends. John will be sorely missed, but will always remain in our hearts. Mark & Patricia
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Graham Hill Dear Mary – so many memories; such a short time .My prayers and care to you – such an awful loss and we are now the poorer for he was a man of vision, of courage and dressed with a smile and wit to put new warmth in the day. A particular hug to a particular lady. I am sorry to be away and unable to be with you and trust that some of this cloud of care will sustain and help as you remember times etched deep in so many lives. Graham Hill.
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Bill Chan Encorp Pacific We are by saddened of the loss of John and our thoughts are with you and your family. John was the founding President of Encorp Pacific in 1994 and I had a wonderful opportunity to work directly with him those 4 years prior to his retirement in 1998. His leadership, guidance and superior business acumen allowed me to grow professionally and personally and for this I am very grateful for and this will forever be etched in my mind.
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Ted Daly Dear Mary
I am so sorry to read of John’s passing. Although I only met him a few times I could tell he was a special person and the two of you made an incredible couple.Mary I lost my wife to cancer 9 years ago and if you ever want to talk, please call me. I am in the phone book. Thinking of you at this dificult time.
Ted
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Peter and Marlene Whelan Mary: we are both saddened to learn of John’s passing. Although we only recently met you and John as fellow passengers on our Mediterranean cruise, we were both immediately impressed with the special qualities in John that you and others have described.
I sat with him at a recent Gyro dinner meeting and thought that I wished i’d known him earlier in life – especially in our careers – as we seemed to have so many interests in common – and he had so many thoughts and ideas to share . I’ll always remember him as the solitary passenger sipping his coffee and reading his book in the Insignia lounge as we approached the daily port of call.
May God and John’s everlasting spirit give you strength through this difficult time and the days ahead.
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Bill Hapgood Dear Mary, how I feel for you. There was socialising, cycling and the formation of our 2 member book club. John and I met on a regular basis at McDonalds for tea. We discussed History, Science and solved many of the world problems leaving just a few for someone else to deal with. When I get home, I will go to McDonalds for tea, by myself, and hope know one sees the tears in my eyes.
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Jim and Judy Cain Mary,our thoughts are with you as you go through a difficult time as well as celebrate John’s very full life
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Suzanne Bell Mary, I hope that you are able to take advantage of the love and strength that comes from faith, family and friendship. I miss you and pray for you every day. I am so looking forward to the day I can hug you in person again, and try to support you in this most challenging and difficult of times. Love Suzanne xoxo
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Dale and Joan Murchison Mary,
We are thinking of you and pray that all the great memories of wonderful years together give you comfort. We always enjoyed meeting you and John at “Bruce Gatherings” on the eastcoast.
Dale and Joan
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Gordon McFarlane Dear Mary:
We were shocked to hear of John’s all too early passing. We always enjoyed being with you and John at Guess Who or other Gyro events. We will never forget your, and John’s, kindness to us on our first weekend in Victoria.
We are sorry that we can’t be with you on Wednesday as we will be in Vancouver but you know that our thoughts will be with you and your family.
With all our love.
Teresa and Gordon
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Margie Cain Ron Pringle Dear Mary, Joan and your husband, John and Kelly, Alex and Catherine, nephews and nieces and other family: We join in the expressions of appreciation and admiration for John and consider ourselves so fortunate to have shared time with you both in the East and West of Canada. Each encounter with John was uplifting and enlightening. Mary, may you be supported by the community of family and friends who care sincerely for you and share in your sadness and loss. We extend to you our love and friendship and we know John would only want that we celebrate his well lived life. Blessings to all of John’s family from our home on PEI.
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Joe and Mary McGuire Mary, we are thinking of you today and your loss . May you be blessed with love and friendship as you grieve . Sincerely , Joe and Mary McGuire , Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island .
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Nawal Congdon Dear Mary,
I am very sorry and sad for your loss. In time may only the good memories remain and the knowledge that you were the one to share them with him.
Your friends,
Nawal Congdon
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David Else Dear Mary:
Please accept our sincere condolences. John was a gracious and gentle man. He was interesting, kind, thoughtful and had a wonderful sense of humour. My special remembrance of John was his way of making you feel that you were the one person in the group he’d hoped to see. John is very much a loss to us all.
With deep affection:
David
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Jane Dyck Dear Mary;
You have been on my mind almost daily since you told me of John’s illness…it seems such a short while ago. His passing will leave quite a void in your life for a while i am sure. I hope, Mary, that our thoughts and prayers will be of some comfort to you as the days pass.
Your neighbours,
Jane and George
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Len and Judy Holman Our deepest sympathies on Johns passing. He was a big man with a big smile and will be missed. We all have great memories if John.
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Kelly Bruce We will sadly miss John…..he was such a special man. With lots of love, he is in our thoughts and prayers.
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Susan and Keith Wendorf Dear Mary and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing, the last couple of months have been so difficult for you all. We have followed John’s struggle through Maureen’s updates and had hoped that the medical world would provide a cure or treatment, but it was not to be. Please know that you all have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be as you try and adjust to life without John.
We wish you strength in the difficult days ahead, and hope that memories of a wonderful life with a wonderful man will provide some comfort.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan and Keith
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Carol Judd I am so sorry that John was taken from you and you have lost such a wonderful husband, partner and friend. My heart is with you as you go through this very trying time of loss and adjustment. Just remember through all of this that I and your other run/walk friends are there for you and are awaiting the day you feel up to joining us again for our weekly activity and camaraderie. Sending warm thoughts and hugs,
Carol
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Jean S. John was a kind and giving man. I met him thru mutual friends a few years ago and I will remember his gift in making any new acquaintance feel lovingly welcomed.
He has touched my life and many others, and for that I am gratefully blessed.
Jean S.
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Doug Clements I am deeply moved by John’s passing. As a fellow member of our 12 step program, it was only two weeks ago that I met you and John at the Royal Oak Mall and stated that John looked so well and got out of the car and stood up to greet me. Please accept my heartfelt condolences Mary. I shall truly miss him and his service to our group.
Doug Clements
Phone (250) 652-1852
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Joan Thomson Dear Mary: May love surround you; may faith sustain you; may hope encourage you .. and most of all may God grant you all the strength you need during these very difficult days. You are in my prayers Mary … love Joan (and Roy) xo
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David & Jennifer Coulter Jennifer and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Mary and family.
I very much valued John’s advice and mentorship, but much more his friendship.
John possessed an exceptionally bright and inquiring mind, was an engaging and informed conversationalist and above all was a fine gentleman.
We will greatly miss him.
David and Jennifer Coulter
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