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 read of John’s sudden death. Our hearts go out to Pam and the family. John will certainly be missed by his many friends, and acquaintances. Hugs!
Audrey and Joe Koncovy
My condolences to John’s family…sorry to hear of his passing and of his loss to you all. I have many memories of John around Hantsport growing up, there is one that comes to mind I will share…roughly 45 yrs ago he was offering horse back rides from the old farm/barn on the Bishopville Road located by the highway tunnel. He had 6 or 7 of us young kids on a ride and we had just started and went through the tunnel (never been on a horse before)as a car passed it spooked the horse…it taking off galloping as fast as it could go…I was scared to death, holding on for dear life, screaming the whole time as John was yelling at me to pull up on the rains as he chased me on his horse…then it jumped a ditch and headed into the trees and finally stopped….I was wearing shorts and when John got me off the horse the inside of my knees were skinned off from the saddle and bleeding. He calmed me down, wipped off the blood running down my legs and said “now you have quite the story to tell about your first horse back ride and scars to prove it”…he was right, just pulled up my pant legs and I still have a small scar on each leg…I have never ridden a horse since….he had that big smile on his face the whole time….thinking of you all at this sad time.
Sending so much love to all of you. John was an absolute treasure.
I have so many fond memories of spending time at Uncle John and Aunt Pam’s. Spending the night. Hanging out at the barn. Running through the corn fields, riding the horses. Uncle John delivering Christmas presents and hanging out and sharing stories. He will be missed! I’m quite sure he’s standing at Heavens gate sharing a story! Condolences to Aunt Pam, Janet, Mike and Sandi and all the extended family.
Xxx Kate, Jeff and family
Dear Pam and family
I’ve missed John’s presence in town since the move to Vancouver. Long conversations from the sidewalk to our front porch were the norm! He was a Hantsport icon and a good, hardworking, reliable man. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with you all.
Heather
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a nice man. Condolences to the family.
Sending sincere sympathy to the family of this huge loss.
I Always loved running into John with his big smile and a even bigger story. He always had time for a conversation and always wanted to know how things were with you.
Such a wonderful man and to this day when I drive into Hantsport I always look at their old homestead and expect to see John outside with a big wave as you passed.
So sorry for your loss and know that others are thinking of you at this time.
Sonya Faulkner
Please accept our sincerest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jim & Iris Faulkner
Condolences to your family. We are sorry to learn about John’s passing. Anna, Rodney and Tia
We were sorry to hear about John and offer our sincere sympathy to the entire family. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Blair & Patti Davis – Hantsport, NS