John Hubert Pickering

Our hearts are saddened to announce the passing of John Hubert Pickering, aged 75 years, September 13, 2013. John will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Sheila; daughter Tina (John), son Mark (Sonja); grandchildren Krystal (Britton), Sarah, Katie, Patrick, and Emma; sisters-in-law Lucy and Eileen in Birmingham; nephew Peter (Julie) with great nieces Kelly and Kirstie Pickford in Vancouver, as well as extended family in the U.K. and many friends around the world.

Born in Birmingham England, the only child of Bert and Lily, John took his apprenticeship as a carpenter there and served in the R.A.F. making lifelong friends, and instilling a strong work ethic he would carry his whole life. He met his true love at age 14 and he and Sheila would go on to marry and raise a family of their own. He cherished these early years, and was very proud of his Birmingham heritage.

The family immigrated to Canada in 1969, settling in Winnipeg and finally Victoria. John had many stories to tell from experiences gained through travel and those he met and helped along the way. He worked in construction his whole life and had a true love of the North, taking him to Ft. McMurray Alberta, Rankin Inlet NWT, Oxford House, Nelson House, Thompson Manitoba and other locations throughout the country.

He had a passion for the water, whether sailing the Juan de Fuca, fishing, or walking the beach, John loved the outdoors and the smell of the seaside. He shared his passions with his family and through hard work and determination cut out a good life and had much fun, snowmobiling, camping, travelling, and making friends wherever he went. He loved music, especially Jazz and we have fond memories of good times around music and dances, John could usually be talked into doing his Buddy Holly impersonation, or play the “spoons” to a favourite tune. Thoroughly British, he loved a good game of darts, and spending time with his mates.

A long time member of the Salvation Army, John had a desire to help those in need. He travelled to the West Indies after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo to help rebuild the tiny island community of Montserrat, and missioned to many through the years. It was his dedication and deep faith that brought him peace of mind and gave him the will to face many challenges, often finding the good in people that others could not, it was these experiences that would help forge his belief of how good and precious life was and how it could be lived in a simple and honest manner.

Although his travels took him many places, his heart was always at home. A founding member of the Victoria MG Club, he could usually be seen with driving gloves, cap and scarf blowing in the wind behind the wheel of their beloved MGA. It was this love of cars that he shared with his son Mark and together they would spend many hours and adventures over British cars, driving the family MGA for the move from Winnipeg to Victoria in 1972, and later driving a 1960 MGA with Mark from Florida to Victoria in 1998 with breakdowns, mishaps and everything in between. It is these memories and more that we will cherish of a man that didn’t just talk about doing something, but went out and made it happen. John will certainly be remembered for his story telling and adventurous spirit, he touched the hearts of all he met and gave of himself whenever he could, he is sadly missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the dedication and care of the many nurses and physicians at Royal Jubilee and the Palliative Care Unit at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Thanks also to the many friends who visited and shared stories and time with John over the past weeks. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the PCU, Saanich Peninsula Hospital, in John’s name.

No service at John’s request. Say a prayer, meditate, have a quiet moment, or raise a Guinness in his honour.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com