CUNNINGHAM – JOHN PETER passed away on August 10, 2013 at his home in Victoria, BC, at the age of 57, having battled ALS. John was born on October 3, 1955, in Fort Frances, ON.
John is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, and their children Julie Anne and Benjamin; by his parents Clifford E. and Marie Cunningham; by his brothers Clifford I., Donald (Rose), Dean (Monique), and Henry (Margaret); by his sisters Dianna (Gary), Anna (Don), Mary (Harvey), Patricia (Jim), and Jennifer (Glen). John will be greatly missed by 19 nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
John moved to Victoria, BC in 1986, and was immediately enamoured with the west coast’s climate and horticulture. Starting out as a caretaker, John also did jobs as a gardener and as an irrigationist, before being employed with the town of Sidney in the Parks Department. In the fall of 1988 John met Mary Anne (nee Dannfald), and a year later they were married. John shared a love of nature with his daughter Julie, and together they completed the West Coast Trail in 2007. Ben will remember his father’s special way of making people smile, and his eagerness to help people. John had a passion for old cars, and worked on many restoration projects, including a 1935 Ford truck.
John’s family would like to thank the health care professionals and volunteers at Victoria Hospice and VIHA for all of their help and care. Thank you to Kenny Podmore and the Town of Sidney for the fundraiser they organized last fall. Thank you to all those who sent notes, visited with John and the family, and sent their condolences.
A funeral mass will be held for John at Sacred Heart Church (4040 Nelthorpe St, Victoria) at 1:00pm on Friday, August 16, 2013, with Monsignor Lapierre officiating. Interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park (4673 Falaise Dr, Victoria).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society of British Columbia, Victoria Chapter, PO Box 48038, 3511 Blanchard Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 7H5 or at www.alsbc.ca.
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Sherry Auger
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Deborah With deep sympathy. May the memories of Mr. Cunningham and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. God’s Word the Holy Bible promises, “He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8)
I’m so sad today as I just heard that John has recently passed. My sister and brother-in-law who worked with John back in the early 80’s have recently moved here and Luis was asking about John. While I lost touch with John we have so many fond memories of him. We were all very close. I remember him for his kind and gentle spirit and we just loved being around him. He used to come with us everywhere so today, while a little late, we mourn your passing dear John and send heartfelt sympathy to your wife, children and family. What a wonderful legacy you have my friend and we will see you again. With much love from Sherry, Luis and Lori.