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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.