John Thomas Simpson

It is with heavy hearts we share the sudden passing of John Simpson after a very brief battle with cancer.  He was surrounded by the love of his family at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and Quebec, John later found himself as a young man making his way across Canada and landing in Calgary, Alberta where he and his friend worked digging graves to make ends meet.  John quickly landed a job as the head lifeguard at the community swimming pool in Prince Rupert, BC.  While working at the pool, John confidently wore a blue and white striped Speedo bathing suit that caught the eye of his eventual wife, Cindy.

John was predeceased by both his parents Thomas and Margaret, and will be greatly missed by his wife of 51 years Lucinda (Cindy), daughter Debra, son Scott (Jessica), and granddaughter Grace Mae Simpson.   The eldest of five children, John is survived by three brothers; Gord (Beverly), Rick (Ellen), Dave (Judy) and sister Beth (Glen), cousin Betty Lou Caldwell, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family, and many true friends including Glen Clark, Al Hinch and Al Baird, the gang at Tim Hortons and last but not least, his 4 legged companion, Mya.

John received a degree in Education from the University of Victoria and taught in Sooke as well as Campbell River as a classroom teacher and teacher librarian.  John loved reading aloud to his students and over the years he encouraged many children to read some of his favorite novels that included Charlotte’s Web and the more recent Harry Potter Series.   John gave of himself while teaching and was found coaching a variety of sports teams including football, volleyball and track and field.  John was part of many bargaining teams for teachers and was applauded for looking out for his colleagues.

John donated both, of his time and monetarily, to causes that included COPS (Citizens on Patrol), MARS, CRDTA, Retired Teachers Association and the Fighting Eagles Football where he also coached.

Best known for his fashion sense, John consistently wore tube socks, plaid shirts, vests and sneakers.  John was a hardworking man, loyal, funny, kind, and generous.   He was strong yet sentimental and sensitive.  His dry sense of humor and loud laugh were enjoyed by many and will be missed.  John loved watching sports and could be found in his easy chair, remote in hand and fur friend Mya by his side.

John loved his family, was a thrifty and good provider.  His love of books had his children reflecting on his animated and boisterous delivery of bedtime stories with a variety of sound effects. Halloween was an annual highlight for John, as he loved to greet trick or treaters.  Soon after Halloween one could see John carefully stringing Christmas lights to make our home festive.

John supported his family in their individual endeavors and always looked forward to catching up with them.

The family would like to thank Campbell River nurses and physicians Dr. Friderichs, Dr. Kellerhals, and Dr. Chan.  In addition, Dr. Jeffrey Sulpher from BC Cancer – Victoria and Nurse Katie at the Royal Jubliee Hospital for the compassionate care of our husband and Dad.

A private family gathering will be held.  Flowers gratefully declined.  If you wish, memorial donations can be made in John’s honor to MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre http://marswildliferescue.com/ways-to-give/

or to the B.C. Cancer Foundation Donation in Memory of John Simpson.