September 11, 1936 – September 28, 2023
John was born in Prince Edward Island and lived there until he went to university. John was born to generational farmers who had settled PEI and stayed to farm the land. There he attained his love for farming, animals and the great outdoors.
John left home to attend several universities, including Mt. Allison and UBC and ended up on the west coast eventually. He attained his doctorate in Kinesiology from the University of Oregon while teaching at Simon Fraser University. He enjoyed this work and the academic life greatly but eventually he gave in to his desire to live a simpler life in the place of his choosing.
John’s love of farming and animals brought him to the Okanagan where he lived with his wife Margaret. It was there they built a custom house and opened a business and grew Lilies together happily for many years.
During this time John had a number of pets at home. They were always a shelter rescue. He had a soft spot for the animals he saw at the shelter and often would come to walk and spend time with the animals. John did so quietly as this was a great joy for him and even when he could no longer look after a pet at home would visit the animals for companionship.
John’s family sincerely hope the time he spent with the animals and his small gift made a difference in some lives.