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
Lesley and Family,
Sue and I were very sad to hear about John’s passing and grieve for your loss. Words always fail us at a time like this. John was such a good man and we are better people for having known him. Right from the first time we met him years ago when JR and our daughter were dating in high school, we knew he was special. He and Lesley welcomed us warmly into their family when our two children married and we have cherished the opportunities, although too few, we have had to spend time with him. He always made us feel welcome and special. We especially cherish the Christmas dinners together. He was so proud, and rightly so, of those meals. What a great chef and host! He was also so proud of his boys and their families. And rightly so. His sons are a testament to his character and share many of his qualities. He loved them so much. We want to especially thank him for welcoming our daughter into his family and the love he gave her. Please know that we are there if you need us and will support you and your family in any way you need.
Our most sincere and deepest condolences and love to Lesley, JR and Kate, Robbie, Patti and Brooks, and to your extended family.
Sue and Ray
Lesley and John- We are truly blessed that you came into our lives. You have given my daughter, Mike and I so much love. I am grateful Brooks and Ebby are friends, since Rob and I have known each other since we were in elementary.
John – My daughter started to call you Papa J and enjoyed many early mornings with you. I know you made an impact on her even in the short time she knew you. You made an impact on all of us, with your warm smile and easy laugh. You are forever in our hearts
Lesley and family- there are no words that can express our love for you nor tell you how truly sorry we are for your loss.
You have an amazing person watching over you.
Tara, Mike and Ebby.
I am so sorry for your loss. I first came to know John when I started working in the Industry with L B Cranes and Bert’s Enterprises. John was probably my best teacher in the ways of the new world I was involved in. I turned to him for advice frequently over the years. We had many deep conversations on the mysteries of life, love, human nature and the future. We had a great mutual respect for each other. He was passionate about his work and his family. He truly wanted to help everyone around him become their best self and there was no end to the help he would give anyone who truly wanted to learn. He never asked anyone to do any more than he himself was willing to do. His projects were testament to his high standards and will all stand as monuments to him. He was a great man. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Dear Lesley and family, we are in shock and deeply saddened, having learned about John’s tragic loss. It is heartbreaking and words fail. We send our deepest condolences and hugs, and will keep you in our thoughts.
Our sincerest condolences to Lesley and the Scheeren family. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
All of us at Houle Electric
My sincerest condolences to the Lesley and the entire Scheeren family on behalf of Ledcor Construction Limited. John worked for us for a period of time in our Victoria office on a few projects and he certainly had a positive impact on both the projects and us. It was nice to see the well deserved tribute in the Times Colonist. RIP John.
Dear Lesley, We are so very sorry to hear about this tragic news. Our hearts go out to you and your boys and family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you – anything. You are very much loved. Thinking of you and sending a big, giant virtual hug.
Glenn and I express our sincere condolences for this tragic loss. We are so sorry.
Lisa and Glenn Laupland
Dear Scheeren family,
We are very sorry to hear about John’s passing. I have known John since 1975. We worked together for Campbell Construction for many years. He was an excellent and smart tradesman. My nephew and I helped him work on his house on Jeanine Drive, and were close neighbours. I walk my dog twice a day and pass his home — and I think about him every time. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Dearest Lesley, J.R, Kate, Rob, Patti and Brooks,
We extend our deepest condolences to Lesley and her family. Lenya had the good fortune to meet you in her year abroad. It was one of the best years for Lenya. She enjoyed the conversations with John and the food he cooked was always wonderful. John and Lesley always made Lenya feel like she was part of the family. Lenya will never forget the time with you.
We as a family only had a very short time to get to know Lesley and John personally. But John will always remain in our hearts. The sadder we are that John has left us now. We are sending your family lots of strength and love at this time.
Love, Lenya, Susanne, Phil and Marc