Jono was born in New Delhi, India on November 12, 1943; he passed away on August 14, 2016 in Victoria. He was predeceased by his parents, Geoffrey and Margaret, and his brothers Anthony and Michael. He is survived by his twin sister Jane Crofton (Mark), brother Simon (Daphne), sister in law Joan in Washington DC and cousin Ann McCarthy (Pat). He was well loved by his nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Jono was educated in Victoria and he spent 38 years in the Canadian Coast Guard, serving on the West Coast and in Ottawa. Many of those who he worked with stayed in touch with him and speak very highly of him as a wonderful employer, associate and good friend. He made a positive difference in the lives of so many, he was a very special person. Jono enjoyed travelling, this usually included spending time visiting family and acquaintances. He loved telling stories and enjoyed reading history and kept himself up to date with local and world affairs. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and on numerous occasions, he was there to drive his great-nieces and great-nephews to their various activities – most often this included a stop for a treat of some sort. The past couple of years were difficult for him because of poor health. He was a resident at the Victorian and his last days were in Hospice where he was well looked after by a very caring staff.
There will be no funeral service at Jono’s request. Condolence may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kimberley Nemrava
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Diana Miskell Jon – such a good friend for so many years. I first met him when applying for a job at Kitsilano Coast Guard Base as secretary to the “base commander”, Capt. Jack Ickringill. Jon and Capt. Jack were the only two on the interview board. Jon advised Capt. Jack to pick me, or so the story goes. There was only one other applicant. I had studied for the interview by reading the Boating Safety pamphlets.
And there began many years of friendship and hilarious stories … so many good times. How fortunate I was to be a part of them. Jon was like the linchpin of so much that went on. I smile every time I think of our going-ons. Through Jon, I became friends with many others of our Coast Guard family and we continue to be friends today, through good and not so good. Miss ya, Jon.
He was a great supporter of my husband and myself when we decided to move to Costa Rica in 2011. We Skyped once a week for several years until he became too ill to continue.
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Art Mountain Jon was a first class person, and a good friend, who made a major contribution to the Canadian Coast Guard and his fellow Canadians. It was a privilege to be his friend.
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Bill Dancer I worked with Jon for 3 years, memorable years. Jon was a person you always enjoyed meeting and working with, positive, good humoured, proficient, a perfect example of an officer and gentleman. I like his many friends will miss him and extend my sympathy to his family.
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David G. Howell Jon, was my watch partner when I was a young seamen on the CCGC READY. As a result of his organized way of thinking, Jon was soon working as the unofficial secretary to Capt R. Gunn. We had some great patrols together as shipmates. Although my time on the R class was short we remained good friends for the next 37 years as our paths would cross and we could share a laugh and a story. Jon had a great influence on many young people, and helped them get a start to their careers both within the CG and outside of the CG. He set a great example of how to manage, and lead.
My condolences to his family.
Dave Howell
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Phil Dauphinee Jon was one of those special people you meet along the way. In regard to his career in the Coast Guard he seemed to be the ideal guy for all his various roles he took on and became a mentor and guiding light to many. I think for the most part he had a very interesting and enjoyable life and it was sad the last couple of years were not. I am glad to have known him, considered him a friend and was always happy to see him.
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Brian Tuomi Brian Tuomi
August 28, 2016Goodbye Jon. It was such a pleasure working with you. The Coast Guard was a much better place from your efforts.
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Shelley Meadows My sympathy to Jon’s family. It is so terribly sad and such a great loss. I’ll miss him and remember him fondly through all the good times we shared at Kits Base. He always had a smile. He was a great mentor, his words of wisdom and encouragement served me well over the years with CCG. I enjoyed his many visits to Vancouver to lunch with Paul, Di and myself. I will cherish his friendship forever.
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Alan Newman I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing John for the many years that I was working the front desk at Victoria Coast Guard Base. He was always pleasant, friendly and helpful. He will be missed greatly. My condolonces to his family.
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Jim Schellenberg Jono was a wonderful man, he helped many young laddies and ladies in the CCG. He was a mentor to most and always had an open ear and fair advice. Jono “Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw!” Smooth sailing old friend. Will meet you in another port some day.
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Allan Holmes Jon was a special person and he made a positive difference in the lives of so many including the scores of university students who were honored to work with him in the Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Program. I have so many fond memories of the countless hours I spent travelling throughout the BC Coast as he visited the various communities. I feel blessed to have had him as a lifelong friend.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him one last time a few weeks back to share a few laughs and reminisce about old times. He knew his time was limited but he still had his wry sense of humor and that mischievous look in his eyes.
He was blessed to have such a kind and caring family to help him through a difficult journey in these past few years.
He will be missed.
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Maureen and Rob Griffiths and family We first met Jono when he visited Australia in the 1990s. He immediately appealed as a man of humour, friendship and good living. Since then we always met up with him when we came to Canada to visit Maureen’s Canadian family, brother Pat McCarthy and Ann sis in law.
Jono was a lovely person and our happy memories of a great friend and gentleman will last forever.
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Dianne Giles I met Jon while working at Coast Guard in Victoria. What a wonderful man! He always greeted me with a smile and “Hi Dianne”. I loved hearing his stories about his family and life travels. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
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Vicki and Bob Jones Jono and his twin sister, Jane, are/were my favorite cousins. We spent our teenage summers together in California and British Columbia. Jono shared the house that we had bought for ourselves hoping to retire from California to Canada, but it was not to be. Still, Jono beat the odds in that he wasn’t expected to last more than a few days/weeks/months at best; he rallied, was able to get out and about for some fun times with his old beer-drinking and Coastguard buddies for more than a year after his diagnosis.
I am not sad for Jono. Jono had a rich, full life; lived pretty much the way he wanted it to be lived; his end was peaceful and gentle with his family by his side. Nobody/nothing on this Earth is forever so now we let him go with sadness for ourselves and relief that he lived as well as could be expected for over 70 years.
It is the end of an era for the rest of us, and especially sad for his twin sister, Jane, who now needs and deserves our love more than ever. I so wish we could be there to comfort and be comforted in the midst of our wonderful family.
Sending love and sympathy to all who knew and enjoyed Jon’s company at any point during his career on earth.
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Madeline Kalinowski “Brother Jon” as I referred to him was a wonderful man. I met him several times in Vancouver when he came over on the ferry to meet my sister and me. Jon brought his lovely great nieces with him and we enjoyed a fun lunch together and after lunch we walked around a little mall. Another time he came all the way over to meet me for lunch in downtown Vancouver. Then Jon also took the ferry and met my sister (“Sister Diana”) and me for lunch in a hotel with two other Coast Guard men. I was very much into hearing about his Coast Guard years and before that his work in sailing the oceans on cargo ships. Jon led a fascinating and interesting life. He will be very much missed.
“Sister Mady”
Madeline Kalinowski, Carlsbad Springs, Ontario.
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David Wensley Jono was a great friend, and he will be missed by so many people. People are better off for knowing him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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loretta chelini Hard to find the right words at times like this,just wanted to let you know im thinking of you all and hoping you find peace at this difficult time, sincerely, Loretta Chelini
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Charles Gadula Our sympathy to Jon’s family, Jon left a trail of friends along the path he travelled both here in Canada and abroad. He was one of those rare individuals who actually loved being around people and he always got involved. Work was something he did but his passion was always doing the right thing for the people he was involved with. Always a smile, that grin that said “really!”, and always an outstretched hand to help particularly those who really needed it. These qualities of Jon we all admired. We will sorely miss his sage advice and ready wit. Lots of Love, Yvonne and Charlie Gadula
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Shirley Rose Our deepest sympathy to Jono’s family, especially Jane. We were very fond of Jono – he’d led an interesting life and was a fun person to be around. He will certainly be missed by his family and many friends.
Jon was such a special person. As a champion of the Inshore Rescue Boat program, he helped so many young people develop their marine and leadership skills as well as pay for their education. I am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me as the first female, not knowing until much later that he was only able to get my hire approved by shortening my name to Kim, making it look like I was male. Those were crazy times, filled with adventure, laughter and friendships that last a lifetime.
Jon cared about people and encouraged others to do the same. Thank you Jon, you will be missed.
With sincere condolences,
Kimberley Gilmour Nemrava and Jeffrey Nemrava