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
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing, our thoughts are with you.
Uncle John will be missed by so many. We are sending your family lots of strength and love at this time. You are all in our hearts.
Love Darcy, Madesen and Sebastian
Words are hard to express what I want to say right now but I am sorry for the huge loss you are all dealing with. John was a rare breed of man, he was honest to a fault, loyal, hard working, meticulous and truly genuine. I found myself remembering all the memories growing up, like Robbie or JR having to run upstairs at Jeanine to make sure John had his pants on when we were stopping by with friends (other than Ian, Ryan or myself who were used to it). Or when you had a party and John was trying to find the right girl for me to flirt with. Or when you and him gave us our first beer causing Robbie to get a “virus”. There was so many good memories coming back about John and being at your home with the both of you. He truly was a role model and not just a father figure to all of us boys but also a good friend.
I really hope you and the family are doing well through this tough time.
Dearest Lesley, J.R, Kate, Rob, Patti and Brooks,
Words cannot express the sorrow felt upon hearing this horrific, tragic news. I will always remember John as a friendly and happy man who lit up when he saw family or friends. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved and welcomed you in as if you were a part of the family. The world has lost a true legend.
Sending so much love, light and healing to all who mourn his passing. Please let me know if there is anything (whatsoever!) that I can assist with and I will look for updates on his celebration of life.
Love, Jennifer Yarish (and Preston)
Lesley and family,
I am so deeply saddened to learn of your loss. I only met John a couple times and both occasions were brief, but his dedication, commitment and love for your family and community shone through. I can’t imagine how greatly he must be missed, and know that his memory and spirit will be held and cherished forever in your hearts.
There are no words to express the heartache felt for the loss of John.
I have worked with him for the past 4+ yrs and I am going to miss our many phone chats. Most of our work conversations would lead to him giving me updates about his grandson, dog and family – He cherished them so very much. John and I had a really great rapport and we shared many stories and laughs throughout the years. He had such a strong personality, a huge smile and an awesome laugh.
My deepest condolences go out to you Lesley and the entire Scheeren family for the loss of such an amazing person. Please find peace in knowing that John touched so many peoples lives and he will never be forgotten.
Please let us (Campbell Construction Ltd) know if you or your family need anything. We are all here for you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. May John “rest in paradise” and keep watch over everyone he left behind.
Dear Lesley: We understand your sorrow and your grief and pray that over time, fond memories of John will eclipse your sadness. Kari is thankful to have known and worked with John, not only was John skilled at all his trades , he had the biggest heart and they shared a few beer and many good laughs together. We send you our deepest condolences and to let you know you are in our thoughts.
I am so very sorry to learn of John’s passing. It’s been many years since I worked with John, but I remember him as conscientious, skilled, friendly to a fault, and understanding of this young (then) graduate architect’s many mistakes.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. A good and kind hearted guy, taken too soon and deeply missed. Rest in peace, John
Sending our deepest condolences to Lesley, JR and Robbie, and extended family for the tragic loss of John. You are all in our prayers ❤️
My sincere condolences to your family. I too know the hardship you are feeling, as I lost my father in an industrial accident too, it is devastating. John was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 1598 and we were friends although strained at times as we differed in opinions. However we both always respected each other,and I am happy to say before I retired as president we renewed our friendship and resolved our differences. John was a very talented supervisor of some of the most prominent buildings in Victoria for both Campbell and Farmer construction. I know the carpenters held a moment of silence for John on the job sites,which is unusual and shows the respect the workers had for him. We will not forget John. May he Rest in Peace. Shan O’Hara