August 1, 1942 – May 23, 2013
It is with broken hearts filled by sorrow that we say goodbye to our beloved Johnnie.
On May 23, 2013, John Thomas Harper passed away with the love of his family surrounding him. John leaves behind his beloved wife, Vlasta; his son Stafford (Tracy); his daughters Theresa and Cynthia and grandson Oscar; his sister Susan Lindsay and brother Glen Harper along with his nieces, nephew and their families.
If you were fortunate enough to have known Johnnie then you will know that today the world has lost a special person not just for those who were close to him, having owned and operated the Esquire Barbershop for over 40 years, John was a trusted friend and confidant to many. Anyone lucky enough to have made his acquaintance will recognize that he was a man with a generous heart and his kindness was limitless.
You will always be on our minds and forever in our hearts…There will be no service by request, a private service for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
24 Responses
I just read in the obituaries of John’s passing and I wanted to pass on our sincere condolences to Vlasta, Stafford and family. We had great memories with our children Vlasta and David and Michael asked me to send their heartfelt sadness for your loss. Shirley, Ian, David and Michael Barbour
Dear Vlasta
So so sorry to hear that your beloved Johnnie has passed away.
He was such a good person. All my condolences to you and your family.
It was that wonderful Johnnie that introduced me to my best friend Sue.
L&H Saby
To all of John’s Family
My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and good friends.John will be sadly missed by me as I have gone to him for over 41 years to have my hair cut and all the stories throughout our lives that we have shared. our sports talks Especially about his favorite football team Miami Dolphins!!! , and how much he loved his family and friends ! and what is said in his Barber chair stays in his Barber’s chair as he was truly a professional at his trade.
Condolences to all his family
Bernie Leavitt
I so very rarely look at the obits. And just at my dentist office picked up the paper and could hardly believe what I saw. I was married to John’s best freind many years ago and got to know him so well. Through his work with Lyle in Port Alberni and then on to Victoria. He was in a youthful stage of life and enjoyed every minute of it. Through the years I would time to time phone or stop in to see John and it was always such a joy to see his smiling face and hear his gentle voice. I now and again look back at pictures and remember the John we all knew and loved. My ex has also passed and who knows maybe they will buddy up again in a place that has yet to be discovered by those remaining. One thing sure he is no longer suffering and is at peace. I also lost my Son to cancer, John was there at the time he was born and after a few years he would take Kevin’s hand and take him for long walks. Maybe just mayber they can again. go for a walk. You were a gentle loving person John. I know that your family was important to you and so many many people will miss you, God Speed.
Maxine Kootnekoff
John was the first person I met when I moved to Victoria in 1975 and he remained a tusted friend and barber all these years. When I was down, he cheered me up and when I was happy, he shared in my joy. I now have an emptiness in my heart that can never be filled, but I am comforted by a warmth of having known such a warm and genrous spirit that was John.
Dear Vlasta,
I share your sorrow and terrible sense of loss with the passing of John.
I had the privilege of being one of John’s customers for almost 40 years. Over the years, I came to know so much of John’s life and his deep love for you, Stafford and other members of his family.
While I was a frequent customer of John’s, our visits every three weeks were far more about friendship, keeping in touch with each others lives and swapping our latest stories. While he was surely my barber, he was most importantly my Friend. Like you, I miss him terribly.
I hope you can take comfort in knowing that John was a wonderful man and that so many of us were touched by his gentle, kind and loving nature.
I wish you, Stafford and the rest of your family the very best in this sad and stressful time. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Vince Collins
I spent three years working with John at the Esquire and obviously got to know him very well. He was a friend and a co-worker and I am so sorry to see that he was taken so young. I give my condolences to Johns family who I know for a fact was the centre of Johns life as I heard many times how proud he was of them. John shared with me his past life especially his time in Florida. Johns heart was in the right place and though he had challenges as we all do, he never let them break him. He was in many ways an inspiration to me and a great help many times. I will miss him and sincerely pray that the Lord will help all of you get through these tough times ahead. God bless you Johns much loved Vlasta and Stafford you were always on his mind and in his heart.
My sincere condolences.
Tom Cooper
I am a long time customer of John’s and over the years came to think of him more as a friend than my barber. He was the consumate class act. My condolences to his family.
Years ago, when I was travelling by bus to work and back I always enjoyed my chats with John. Such a happy and smiling face. I am saddend by the passing of such a great neighbour yet relieved to know that his suffering is over.
Vlasta and Glen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time of change.
Your neighbour on Hampshire Hill.