John was born in Whitchurch, England on April 23, 1943 and spent his childhood in Kelsall, Cheshire. He moved to Norwich in 1968 to work for the Norwich Shoe Company.
In 1970 John and Sheila were married in Hamilton, Scotland. John joined Hewlitt Packard in 1972 and introduced the first point of sale system to London. Their first daughter, Nicola, was born in 1973 and in 1974 John purchased his first of three shoe stores. Melissa was born in 1975 and the family emigrated to Canada (Quesnel) in 1982.
John worked for Quesnel Machinery and in 1983 became director of the Child Development Centre. John and Dr. Paul Pocock started the first telethon in 1984.
In 1991 John was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and, despite many trials and tribulations, he devoted many hours to volunteer work. John looked after the accounts and was “radio” man for the West Fraser fire department, he served on the Provincial board of the M.S. Society, was chairman of Community Futures, chairman of the Community Health Council and secretary of Rotary of which he was a member for many years.
John was honoured to be given a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary and to be Citizen of the Year in 1995.
John had a wonderful personality, a sense of humour, a deep faith and the courage to devote his life to others even in the face of diversity.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sheila, his daughters Nicola (Kurk), of Victoria, Melissa of Victoria, grandchildren Kayla, Rachel, Ethan and Joshua. Also by his sister Jane (Bryan), nephews Stephan (Emma) and Roland, niece Sally and cousin Becky.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of John to the M.S. Society (BC division).