It is with the deepest burden of sorrow that we have to announce the loss of the pillar of our family on December 21, 2020. After a tragic work place incident, John gave it everything he had and fought bravely for 3 weeks in Vancouver General Hospital, finally succumbing to his traumatic injuries. John was born and raised in Victoria on June 28, 1956.
He eventually would marry his high school sweetheart and best friend, Lesley, and after 42 years of marriage they were both very proud of the family they had created. John (Dad) says goodbye to Lesley, his sons J.R. (Kate), and Robbie (Patti) and their son, his beloved grandson whom he cherished, Brooks. As much focus John put into his work, his true passion was his Family and being a true provider and role model, always committing to “doing better than his best.”
As in life and career, with most people that knew him, John was known for his work ethic and attention to detail to ensure everyone stayed on task, and most importantly, that everyone was safe doing so. He loved his career in the Construction Trade beginning the journey in 1975. During that time, he was involved in hundreds of projects (mostly local in Victoria) and mentoring many young people in the trades.
John was an advocate for education in the trades as well, and became Gold Seal Certified in 2013. He put so much effort into his career and absorbed the weight and responsibility attached to his position with an unwavering professionalism. He leaves behind so many friends whose lives he touched and truly cared about.
The family wants to send our most sincere and gracious appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and care providers at Vancouver General Hospital for showing our dad compassion and dignity in his final days. The level of care you offered and were able to extend reached our hearts especially when we were not able to be at his side. We know he felt our strength and love through you all.
The Scheeren Family would like to extend an invitation to all the people he had touched in honoring John at his farm in Metchosin, BC. A date has not been selected at this time due to restrictions, but we look forward to seeing all of you soon, and sharing in his memory.
“We love you dad, and we will make you proud”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
88 Responses
Dear Lesley, dear J.R., dear Robbie, dear Kate, dear Patti, dear Brooks,
John has been such a strong but genuinely and purely good person.
I will keep him in my heart and will miss him dearly. Sending you lots of love – you guys are so strong. In the name of the whole Räcker family we will keep John in our hearts and wish you all the best for these trying times.
We, as a family, like to think back to our time together in Metchosin, and we’re thankful that we will always share those moments with you.
Lots of love,
Anna, Niklas, Angelika and Burkhard
My heartfelt condolence for the loss of your husband .I will keep you close in my thoughts
And prayers in the coming weeks
Stay strong Lesley and God Bless you and your family
Maria e Rafael (B/C friend)
Lesley, so sad to hear of your loss.
Whilst we have never physically met, it was so nice when you joined our book club in Oz… you have so much when you could.
Our hearts go out to you. A tragic loss.
Know that we, your international book club friends, send our heartfelt condolences.
Maryan and the F & G bookcub, Sydney, Australia.
Lesley, our thoughts and love go out to you and your family. I knew John, through you, as a solid support, someone level-headed, kind and upstanding in a way you just don’t see very often. He will be very much missed.
Tiffin Family
Our deepest condolences to your entire family, I know John will be greatly missed. I’m still in shock and disbelief that this tragic accident happened and that John is gone. John was a great man, I know I will miss him, I looked up to him not only as a man but as a human being, it didn’t matter what it was or what you were doing John was always willing to lend a hand or some advice to help along the way. Leslie If there is anything that your family needs please don’t hesitate to ask, we love you guys.
Dear J.R., Lesley and family,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss.
We are holding you close in our thoughts and hope you know you can lean on us for whatever you may need. Love always, Lee and Ria
Our thoughts are with all of you. I have so many memories spending time with your family growing up and John was a big part those great times. A truly great person who was so proud of his family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Lesley, JR, Robbie and family
I am so sorry for your loss.
John will truly be missed by many.
He was a good friend, a proud father and family man who was always happy to talk about Lesley and the boys, and in resent times about becoming a grandpa.
I Will remember John often and fondly , Rest In Peace my friend.
Lesley, JR and Kate Rob, Patti & Brooks:
Words come with difficulty to express our feelings to.the Scheeren family. The depth of your sorrow and loss overwhelms but our love and esteem for eah of you strengthens in expressing what exceptional regard we had for John and each one of you.
John’s excellence in his profession are a legacy few men can achieve. Equal and to John more importantly was the legacy of his family. The passion of love he had for his lifetime soul companion and the marvellous love he and they shared for the boys inspired all who interacted with this couple at any time
The challenges of the existing protocols requires our attempt to open our hearts to each of you with sincere love and support. We continue to pray for God to strengthen and comfort you. John has moved on and the memories and legacy will strengthen you as you move forward Your loss is great and only supported by the exceptional life shared by an exceptional man. God be with you all and we look forward to the day when we share our love with you personally
Love,
Len and Arlene Battie and family
Thinking of you Lesley and family. So sorry for your loss. We will miss John’s big hearted presence, infectious laugh and mischievous twinkle in his eye. We had so much fun with you two in Las Vegas and will always remember the friendship we were blessed with. Take care of each other. Lavone Craven and Lyle Scroggs.