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:
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
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
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.
We will sadly miss John…..he was such a special man. With lots of love, he is in our thoughts and prayers.
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
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
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.
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
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
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