April 19, 1941 – August 25, 2009
John passed away August 25, 2009 with his family by his side. He faced his final moments with courage and dignity. John lived his life a free spirit (Sometimes to the frustration of the local authorities and exasperation of his children). John loved to laugh and enjoyed practical jokes. He enjoyed beach combing and creating driftwood art for local children to enjoy. As a young man he entertained family and friends by playing the guitar and singing his favourite country tunes. John thoroughly enjoyed his work as a journeyman electrician. While working at the Department of National Defence he met Len Lightfoot who became his closest friend. This last year was magical for dad – he met Marny and they shared a very special bond. We are grateful to Marny for the love and care she gave dad in his final weeks, as well as, his friends Len and Joan who supported us through this difficult time.
John was predeceased by his wife Annette. Left to mourn his passing are his children Brenda Driedger (Rob Brown), Myrna Seel (Rory), Jane Devana, Colleen Crisp (Mark), Richard Driedger; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, special friends Marny Wakefield and Len and Joan Lightfoot, as well as brothers, sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday September 13th at Paul’s Motor Inn in the Upstairs Lounge, 1900 Douglas Street, Victoria BC.
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Graham Lamb
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Michael Donald, Pamela and Isobel Great sadness was felt by Pam, Isobel and myself when we heard the news of John passing away.
He was a kind person, full of smiles and niceties.
Our family will miss him very much.
Our dog Andre will miss the treats John used to give to him when we weren’t looking.
He was our neighbour, and a fine one at that.Sincerely,
Michael, Pamela, Isobel and Andre
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Alesha Davies Fowlie I got to know John first through the Memorial Arena where he was a regular at the Cougar hockey games and a favorite customer to us girls in the concession stand. Later I became reaquainted with him through his close friendship with my aunt Joan and uncle Len Lightfoot. He was a real gem and obviously loved by so many, I am glad I got to know him. My condolences to all his family, you were so lucky to have him.
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Shelby Zacharias To each of you, Brenda, Myrna, Jane, Colleen and Richard, my most sincere sympathies on the loss of a precious soul. I will always remember Uncle Johnnie with great fondness, admiring his free spirit and genuine person. I remember when my Dad died and I had many issues and concerns, and he offered kind and thoughtful words of wisdom.
Bless you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Dad has left his mark on every life he touched, with fondest memories,
Shelby
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Solvig Norman Mark Leckie and Solvig Norman (neighbours of John for over 10 years,) would like to extend our deepest sympathy for family members of John. He was the best neighbour anyone could have! So friendly, helpful and quirky – the qualities we loved so much of him. Our dogs loved him for his special treats he offered. He often helped my mom who took care of our house and dogs when we were away. He will be truly missed and our hearts go out to all of his family and close friends who lives he touched.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sincerely
Mark and Solvig
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b. breithack I was sad to learn of Johns passing I will always keep a place for him in my heart he was a good friend to me. My condolences to the family. Sincerely Brigitte
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Chris and Morgan (Perry) Daw On Behalf of the Daw family, we offer are deepest sympathy in the passing of Uncle Johnny.
Morgan remembers his many travels to Garage sales in order to express his creative side of life.
His soul, enduring passion for life will be greatly miss by all
Sincerely;
Morgan (Perry), Chris, Kyle, Shane and TJ
I was very saddened to read that John had passed away so recently. I live not too far away at the bottom of Cavendish Avenue and ride my bicycle by his house almost every day. We had a number of conversations, we both shared an interest in beach combing, and John was always nice to talk with.
I fondly remember one of his creations that was the heroic figure of Terry Fox. On this day, September 13th, the Terry Fox Run was held at Mile 0 and I was reminded of John and how he probably would have stopped along the beaches of Dallas Road for his latest masterpiece. My children also found great interest in his driftwood art and it was a feature of the neighbourhood.
John will be missed.
Graham Lamb