John Weaver passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by Ludmilla, his wife of 65 years; his children Andrew (Jordan), Anthony (Laurence) and Alexandra (Dan); grandchildren Maria, David, Hélène, Paul, Nicolas, Nicholas, Charlotte and Georgia. He is also deeply mourned by his sister Margaret, and his extended family and friends in Canada and abroad.
John was born on 5th November 1932, in Birmingham, UK where he spent his childhood and attended Solihull Grammar School. In 1950 he enrolled at Bristol University and earned an Honours degree in Mathematics. He also joined the University Training Corps, and in 1953 was selected as one of two representatives from Bristol University to march in the coronation procession of Queen Elizabeth II. That same year, John boarded the Empress of France in Liverpool and set sail for Montreal on his way to the University of Saskatchewan where he completed both his MSc and PhD in Physics. It was there that he met his future wife Ludmilla at the International Students’ Club. They married in 1960.
After honeymooning in the UK and continental Europe they moved to Victoria where John worked as a research scientist at the Pacific Naval Laboratory in Esquimalt. In 1966 he accepted a faculty position at the University of Victoria and later served as Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department. John then became the first Dean of UVic’s newly formed Faculty of Science and held this position until his retirement in 1998.
John will be remembered as a true gentleman, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch. He was kind and highly respected by a large circle of extended family, friends, and colleagues around the world. His strength of character, empathy, kindness, erudition, humour, and unwavering devotion to his family will be sorely missed.
Special thanks to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital, especially nurses Rowena, Nathan, Jeremy, Gabriella and Kat for their compassionate and professional attention to his needs. Special thanks also to the staff at Amica Somerset House, especially Jodie and Joy.
A funeral will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC, on Monday, 5th May, 2025, at 1:00 pm (PST).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Weaver” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Mary Kennedy
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Christine Ryland Andrew and Jordan-
We are so sorry to learn only today, May 8, of your father John’s passing and funeral this past Monday. Our sincere condolences
and prayers at this difficult time. May God comfort you,
-Chris and Shane, Seattle
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David Leeming I offer my sincerest condolences to Ludmilla, Andrew and the Weaver family on the passing of John.
We first met when he was at PNL and was a mentor to me as an undergraduate at Victoria College.
For many years we were colleagues on the Faculty at the University of Victoria. As Dean of Science he
was again supportive to me as Chair of the Mathematics Department. He was a true gentleman, respected
and admired. He was definitely a positive influence on my career. I will miss him.
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Alexander Wong I am very sorry to hear the passing of Dr. Weaver. Please accept my sincere condolences, and know that my heart and thoughts are with the whole family during these difficult time. Dr. Weaver was my instructor, and still is. He is a very kind ,fair and good chairman to work under.
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Sara John Fowler Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of John, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness and loss. What an accomplished life he had, and what wonderful memories you all must have of your lives together. He is missed. On behalf of All at Mount St. Mary, Sara Fowler
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Colin and Ann Scarfe Our condolences to you all. John was a superb leader always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. His knowledgeable gentle nature gave wise council to us all, and his leadership to UVic benefitted many.
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Susan Calder Heaps I was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I met John through his beautiful wife, Ludi and later he joined our rowing team. He was such a kind and loving man. Sending love and prayers to all of his family and dear friends. ” While the earth weeps, Heaven rejoices.” Rest in Peace, John.
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Paul and Heather We will always have fond memories of John and Ludmilla. We lived up the rock behind them on Terrace. They were great neighbours.
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Howard Brunt John was always a wonderful administrator and colleague to work with during my time at UVic and a voice of reason during discussions at all levels of the university. He made enormous contributions to his students and fellow faculty members and he will remain in our memories for many years to come. My deepest condolences to John’s family and large group of friends and admirers. We are all better for having known him.
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Doug Tuck I am saddened by John’s passing. I enjoyed his company on many “trishaw” excursions from Mount St. Mary Hospital with his beloved Ludmilla. His gallantry, curiosity, and patience reminded me constantly of the best gentlemanly qualities of my father’s generation.
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Pam Allen My condolences to all family members. I feel honored to have been John and Ludmilla’s neighbor for many years. John’s kindness, humor and wide ranging knowledge will be remembered.
Alexandra: He was as fortunate to have you as his daughter, as you were to have him as your father.
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Marg Gardiner I am saddened to hear of John’s death.
I enjoyed, and appreciated chatting with John.
Thank you dear John for your contributions to our community.
Marg Gardiner
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Diane Tolomeo Deepest condolences to the family of a wonderful man with a good heart. May you find comfort in the love of so many people who were blessed to know John. Wishing you many blessings of peace.
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Beverly Paty I am so very sorry for your loss. Take comfort in one another and the memories you share.
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Marjorie Brown-Watts Marjorie and Chris [Brown-Watts] remember John with special affection – sharing so many times at the Cathedral and at the UVic Faculty Club events and with the walking club. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends who will miss his wonderful company always.
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Heather and Ray Hebden Dear Alexandra, Dan, Nicholas, Charlotte and Georgia. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear father, and grandfather. He was a remarkable man, and much loved not only by his family, but by many others around the world. We are thinking of you, and sending our love as you navigate through this difficult time.
To Andrew, Anthony, Alexandra and all the family,
I met your father, John, while teaching at St. Andrew’s High School with his wife, Ludmilla. Your parents hosted several staff functions at their lovely home on St. Francis Wood. After I retired as did John and Ludy, I would often meet them at the University Club for functions and it was always great fun. I remember your dad saying that his claim to fame was being “Andrew’s father!” He said this warmly with a smile and a chuckle. Another memory I have is stopping by the house for a visit with the two of them and John saying that it was taking time to get used to his wife being retired. For instance, instead of rushing out the house at an early hour for school, she took some time getting ‘ready’ for an outing, and it took him some time getting used to the waiting! Again, this was said with a warm smile. Your father will be remembered for his warmth, steadfastness, and quiet sense of humour, among many other virtues.