It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of a loving husband and father on Feb. 16, 2021 In Victoria, B.C. John was born on May 25, 1936 in Hantsport, Nova Scotia to Merton and Pauline (Greene). He was also predeceased by his beloved son, Jeffrey and grandson, Cole.
He was an outgoing, friendly and generous man who enjoyed interacting with others and could talk for hours if given the chance. He enjoyed playing hockey and did so until his later years. One of his favourite activities was exploring unfamiliar roads, which on one trip, led us into a seedy part of Boston but, unfazed, found his way out. It was pre GPS but he had an excellent sense of direction and always seemed to be able navigate unknown territory. John gave a hundred percent to all things of interest to him and was especially proud of the hundred dairy cattle herd he built up. He was an avid reader and problem solver, somehow being able, most of the time, to come up with a solution to difficulties. “Cowboy logic” he’d say. He also spent many years in the construction business, working pipeline in Ontario and later working for the Town of Hantsport and also doing individual projects.
John loved getting phone calls from his children of whom he was so proud. Since moving to B.C., he kept in touch with family and friends in Nova Scotia, and he and his cousin, Albert, were on the phone many times as they had established a close bond in childhood.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Sigsworth), daughter Janet (Derek) Mosher, son Michael (Dorothy) and daughter Sandra (Doug) Schofield, grandchildren, Kyle, Tara, Jake, Deanna, Tristan, Bereket, great granddaughters, Kya and Lucy, a brother Wilfred(Betty), cousins, nieces and nephews.
Many thanks to all those at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who had some part in taking such good care of John. You were so kind and helpful and it was very much appreciated.
Parting messages to John from his family:
Jan: Thanks for my strong personality & the can-do attitude!
Mike: Dad, Heaven called and you hadn’t shown up yet. I said, “No worries, he’s on his way. He must have run into someone to talk to”. RIP. I will miss you.
Sandi: I’m so glad I got to see you before you left. I love you!
Pam: 62 years, Babe, and how lucky we were to have had that. Through all the ups and downs our love stayed strong. Until we meet again.
Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to your charity of choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
47 Responses
We were very surprised and saddened to hear of John’s passing–our thoughts and prayers are sent to all the family. We will always remember all the chats we had while at the hardware store. Take care. Doin and Rae Miller
I always had a good conversation with John. Sorry to his family for his passing.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I worked with Jeff at the Kingsway Inn and loved my long chats with John when I worked for Hants Equipment and he’d come to buy parts. John could always make you feel like you were the only person in the room when you had his attention. I always enjoyed his stories but mostly just his wonderful smile and joyful laughter.
Pam and family;
So sorry to hear about Johns passing.our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We would like to extend to you all our deepest sympathy.
Love Geff & Faye Singleton
Please accept my deepest condolences. I always enjoyed spending time and talking with John. Between farming, hockey and construction we never ran out of topics.
Philip Burgess
Falmouth, Nova Scotia
Thought of John often as we drove down the valley and glanced at his property, which he at one time, told me he was going to build a golf course there.I attended Windsor academy when he came there for is education (senior years) he was a great friend to many. we both born in 1936 so makes us too young to leave this earth. While i worked at burgess farm supplies his father Mert purchased backhoes and other equipment.there.RIP my friend.Thoughts and prayers are extended to you all
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Please accept my condolences for such a huge loss to your family. John and I had many conversations especially at the Hardware store where I seemed to bump into him. I always enjoyed any interaction we had. My thoughts and prayers are with your family….Andrea MacDonald ( Hantsport)
Vernie and I were so sorry to learn of John’s passing, Condolences to the family’