
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Sherrah, President of ITI Canada and esteemed member of several organizations including BC Systems Corporation, DPMA, Old-Timers Hockey Association, Esquimalt Schooners, The Blues hockey team and BCSC Bats & Bytes. John bravely battled an illness for two months at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH), surrounded by the unwavering support of his family and friends.
John started his career at Union Gas in Ontario and was enticed to BC by BC Systems Corporations in the 1980’s where he met his wife Lisa. They travelled to Japan, Tokyo, Caribbean, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Whistler, San Juan Islands, Florida and California many times for Disney World with the girls. We visited San Francisco many times as it was a favorite spot. John spent countless hours driving the girls to dance, music and figure skating lessons; sometimes on the same day. He was on the board of Saanich Figure Skating Club in support of Tiffany’s skating. Of course, attending all Lisa’s dancing performances as well and really did enjoy the musicals we attended like Phantom of the Opera a couple of times. We recently spent a couple of years enjoying our ocean cottage on Pender Island and met many good friends there, including the Legion on Pender for Saturday meat draws which were always fun. John loved holidays as well dressing up as Santa for the girls and he loved wearing costumes at Halloween and greeting the children as Jack Sparrow. John loved music and dancing and spent many a weekend at Bartholemew’s pub dancing the night away.
John was the President of ITI Canada for 38 years. Many of you have sent in your memories and fondness for John’s assistance with your careers. He built many software applications and built a successful consulting business. He had many long- time staff that remained with the company, dedicated to its clients as well. John was the backbone of ITI, he had a way of connecting with people. He helped so many people in the IT industry start their careers and was a pillar of the IT community. He was a member of VIATEC and wanted to use the new 3D printer technology to help amputees. Always an entrepreneur till the end.
John was a remarkable individual, known for his kindness and dedication. He was a loving husband to Lisa Sherrah, he always encouraged her dancing and IT career. A devoted father to Lisa (Duncan), Don, Crystal, Tiffany, and Andi (Mortenson), and a cherished grandfather to Jackson, Jack, and Hartman. In life, John’s priorities were family, career, playing hockey, and the Montreal Canadiens. If there was a hockey game on, he would always try to be close to a tv or radio.
John was a beautiful person, who only ever wanted the best for everyone he met. He always went out of his way to help people, friends, clients, and strangers regardless of how well he knew them.
John joins his parents Bill and Marie Sherrah, brothers Dave and Jimmy, and daughter Lisa Duncan, Brent Kivell and Doreen More (mother-in-law) and of course Cuddles on the other side.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff on the 5th floor of RJH and to Dr. Mark Lawson for their exceptional care.
A celebration of John’s life will be held in the spring.
John’s legacy of love and dedication will forever remain in our hearts.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lisa Sherrah
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Michael Lally I’m deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. John had a remarkable way of spotting talented people and sticking his neck waaay out to give them their first big break. Many of the government contracts I worked on were through ITI and when I became part of the staff I truly was able to observe John’s big heart and dedication to the community first hand. While it’s been many years since I last spoke with John, he still stands out as a shining example of compassion over opportunity, humility over ego, and conveyed a deep respect for the people around him that he wasn’t afraid to express with his own brand of light-hearted humour.
Sincerest of condolences to all his family!
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Theresa Walton Lisa, we were so shocked and saddened to hear that John had passed away. Too young and too soon. I hope you will find comfort in sharing his memories with close family and friends. He has gone on to a better place, those that are left feel the loss.
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Crystal Sherrah Growing up, my dad and I went almost everywhere together. He drove me to school and made me lunch. He never missed a day. On the way to school we would stop to feed a collie that was walking with a lady. He took me to all my after school activities and often waited for me to be done to pick me up. John and my mother would watch all my performances and even take me out for ice cream after. We would go to the fireworks and walk on the boardwalk in Sidney together. We would go out for dinner and walk to the park together. I will always remember all the good times we had together. Not to mention our trips to theme parks and road trips with long car rides where John would drive us safely the whole way. He supported us very well financially, something he did not have when he was a child. He always wanted the best for us and I believe he gave that to us. We will carry on with him in our hearts and our minds every day.
Not only did he support me as a child, he also insisted on making lunch for me when I went to college, and even dropped me off on his way to work. He was proud of everything I did and he let me know it. One day I was interested in making websites and he said that If I learned enough I could make websites for clients. So that is when I got a job at ITI Canada making websites. I am so glad I could work with my Dad, and by giving me a chance to do something that interested me he set me up for success. I had the pleasure to wake up in the morning and go to work with my dad. Even then he made us both a lunch and we would sit on our break and eat it together. Those times, even though they did not feel significant at the time, are things that I really remember.
I am very thankful I got a father who would do anything for me. While I am really sad that he has passed away, I believe that he lived a very full and happy life full of family and laughter
I love you dad. I will never forget everything you have done for me.
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Colleen and Barry Obara Barry and I are incredibly saddened to hear of John’s passing. His kindness and vibrant personality will not be forgotten. We are sending our deepest sympathies!
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Gerry Brimacombe John was my boss, my friend, and MC at my wedding. He had a huge heart and unbounded energy. His positive can-do attitude was second to none. We’ll miss you John!
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Valerie Foord I had the great pleasure of working with John when I was working at Attorney General. I remember his laughter and kindness as he was always working to make things better for all of us who had the privilege of working together. My condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.
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Bill Armstrong John was always a great host, and enthusiastic participant and a wise advisor. He played fare in the business world and looked after the people he cared for. Not sure about how he behaved on the ice, but that’s “hockey”. He had great perspective and a clever sense of humor. I’ll miss him and I was privileged to have him as a friend.
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Bette Jewers Dear Lisa, my heart is breaking for you amid John’s passing. He was a beacon of light and reason in a sea of political darkness. His smile and gentle spirit Touched everyone he met. For someone who navigated several technological changes and challenges through the’80’s and into the new moly he always put a positive spin on personal interactions. We have all lost a most excellent being. Love to all of you, take care and carry on ❤️
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Jose and Goretti Pinheiro Our heartfelt condolences to you Lisa and Crystal and Tiffany and all the rest of John family. So sorry of loss of wonderful man that John was .
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Diane Foisy Deepest condolences to Lisa and family.
We are sorry for your great loss.
Diane & Art Foisy
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Dave Rouse I spent many days at ice rinks with John and shared many memorable hockey stories. It was an honour to have been a groomsman at Lisa and his wedding. Still laugh when i think of the limo outside the church idling with the doors locked and the keys inside. He will be missed but not forgotten.
If you would like to attend Celebration of Life for John on April 13th. Please email me.