Passed away peacefully on February 11, 2013, just days after his 70th birthday, at Victoria Hospice. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Janice (2006) and his dear friend, Miriam McLean (2013). Survived by dear brother, David (Hedi); nephew Mark. Loving father of Laurie (Glen) and Ted (Shana) and devoted Grandpa J to Clara (9), Joshua (6), Conor (5) and Owen (3). A gifted scholar, John left Victoria in 1961 for Economics and Political Studies at McGill University, followed by graduate studies at MIT and Cambridge University. After teaching at Queen’s University, John joined the Department of Finance in Ottawa in 1971, where he made his mark as a consummate professional and a thoughtful colleague over a productive and distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, including as a research director for two Royal Commissions. John made significant contributions to the development of Canadian fiscal policy, tax policy and climate change-related economic policy, recognized through a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded by the Department of Finance in 2013. John gave his time generously to Kanata United Church, St. Aidan’s Church (Victoria), the Alliance Française (Victoria) and other volunteer endeavours. Ever inquisitive and eager for engaging conversation, John actively participated in and enjoyed the community that welcomed him when he and Janice returned to Victoria in 2004. His life and that of his family was enriched through Miriam’s love and companionship. John regularly visited his children and grandchildren in Ottawa and Toronto, laden with carefully selected children’s books – trips he continued even once metastatic prostate cancer began to take its toll. He also loved hosting family and friends at his and Janice’s beautiful home in Victoria. John and his family benefited greatly from the loyal support of friends – old and new – who ensured that his final months were filled with love, humour and good company. The family extends sincere thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of Victoria Hospice and to his friends, who reminded him through their words and actions of how cherished and admired he was.
A Funeral service will be held at St. Aidan’s United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street in Saanich at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2013, with a reception to follow. A memorial service will also be held in Kanata at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John to Victoria Hospice (www.victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/give-gift-today), St. Aidan’s (http://staidansunited.com) or McGill University Faculty of Arts (http://www.mcgill.ca/aoc/give) would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com.
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Frances and Gunars Balodis
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Chris Logan I didn’t have the chance to get to know John well, but it was my honor to have spent a little time with him towards the end of his life. He was clearly a man of refined tastes, penetrating intelligence, and impeccable courtesy. It was a pleasure to meet him; he made a deep impression on me. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
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Lakhbir S Chahal Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Sargent. John was a great man, always cheerful and a great neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sargent family. Rest in peace.
Chahal Family
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Julie Gagnon Chère Laurie, Ted et Famille,
je tenais simplement à vous signifier en français que votre père avait laissé son empreinte dans la communauté francophone de Victoria. Je vous transmets mes plus profondes et sincères condoléances.
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Laurence Johnson & Diane Saab Dear Laurie, Ted and Family
We were very glad to have seen John and met you Laurie at the Hospice. Unfortuneately the hour of the funeral service renders it impossible for us to attend. Our thoughts will be with you. Although we only knew John for a short time through Miriam, we enjoyed many social events with him and his friends.
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Jack and Wenche Hemphil We were so fortunate in John’s offer to pick up and return Jack to the
Coffee Club mornings downtown and Jack truly appreciated his friendship. and understanding. We share in the great loss to the family and send our sincere condolences.
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Carol Munro In fond memory of a very special human being. I just wish I’d known John longer. There was so much more to him than met the eye!
With sincere sympathy to all John’s family,
Carol Munro
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Fay and Phillip Russell We knew Janice and John as neighbours and as very caring tenants when they were remodelling their home in Victoria. It was always a welcome treat to meet them both and latterly, John both here and with his son Ted in Toronto at the local coffee shop. He was a proud father and grandfather and a “gentle”man and gentleman is many ways. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Fay and Phillip Russell
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Michiel Horn At least ten years have passed since I last saw John and Janice, but my memories go back much further than that, to that time around 1960 that we were all at Victoria College. John was a gentle and considerate soul, quiet-spoken, highly intelligent, and very likable. He and Janice were a great pair; now they have both gone to rest. It was a privilege knowing them. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family!
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Darlene and Donald Bennett Dear Laurie, Ted and Family;
Please accept our condolences on your loss. We have fond memories of your Father and your Mother from past days in old Kanata. And, we had some appreciation of John’s importance in the Department of Finance.
Sincerely,
Darlene and Don Bennett
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Valerie Bauld John’s sincere and caring attitude for others; his calm confidence and attention to detail, his loyalty to the organizations he belonged to and the people he cared about, will be sadly missed. I am sorry not to be able to attend Friday’s service but hold Laurie, Ted and their families in my thoughts and prayers.
Val Bauld
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Elma Lamoureux `Your father has left his mark on our Hospice Walking Group and will always be fondly remembered.
Hugs to you Laurie and Ted,
We just learned of John’s passing when we came to Kanata for the Music for Young Children Composition Festival.
We remember your mom and your dad with fond memories and great admiration and respect.
We are sending you love and energy.
We now live in Muskoka, we would welcome your visit.
With care and love,
Frances and Gunars Balodis