John Blair

On a bright blue autumn morning, John passed away with his daughter by his side. He was 93 years old. John had lived in his own home up until April, thanks to a group of wonderful carers and companions: Barb, Terry, Laurie (& Ollie), Sue, Reilly, and Dawn. These fine women enjoyed John’s quick wit, demonstrated “food is love”, and kept the hearth warm. The care staff at Oyster Bay Seniors Community provided monumental support during John’s final months and weeks and we are eternally grateful for their professionalism, empathy, and senses of humour which could light up that big old smile.

John’s transition was not long, and it was peaceful. We expect that John spent the rest of his day nailing a drive off the 16th tee, or practicing his chipping, or reuniting with his adored cats: Sam, Sport AKA Red, Princess, Missy, and Smoky. Back on planet Earth, he leaves behind his loving sisters Eileen and Shirley, and his children Scott and Shauna. His kids will always remember the summer of 1974 with John and Mom (Margaret) on Columbia Beach. There were great adventures, including a madcap attempt to troll for salmon with only oars for acceleration – “row faster Dad,” we yelled, and he did. We settled for dogfish that day.

John was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His boyhood was interesting and varied, with time spent in “Knowles School for Boys” under the firm but fair hand of Charles Hawkins who disciplined the boys for “what they were going to do.” Amongst John’s last memories in this life were the Frith family and farm in Carnduff, Saskatchewan where he was billeted on school breaks. While he couldn’t remember the names of Billy Frith’s sisters, they were “bold girls who rod bareback across the golden prairie, with hair streaming in the wind.” He loved those magical holidays.

John did every sort of job: postman, real estate salesman and conveyancer, railway switch operator, accountant – you name it. And he was handy at carpentry too! From 1948 and until his Honourable Release in 1953, he served in the Royal Canadian Navy. John’s five-year stint was served aboard a dozen vessels – in particular, he recounted tours aboard the S.S. Cayuga as an anti-aircraft gunner. Dashing in his uniform, he caught the eye of dainty Margaret Elizabeth Daniel, whom he courted for ten years. He could have reenlisted, and that would have bought him a front seat to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second. But John was eager to return to Winnipeg and seal the deal, which he did. He carried that torch beyond Margaret’s untimely death in 1997.

John’s final chapter was spent in Ladysmith, B.C., in a friendly mobile home community. Beautifully situated, he enjoyed the bird song every dawn. John was hale and hearty well into his eighties and enjoyed playing hockey with his Oldtimers’ buddies. He was a master at Gin Rummy and could keep score in his head. But the highlight of most every day was visiting nearby Cottonwood Golf Course, where he’d help where he could, play a quick nine holes, or tend to his beloved cats. We are thankful to the owners and his golf family there, who welcomed him in and gave him such purpose.

John did not want fanfare or a funeral; there will be a small gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to John’s favorite charity: CatNap Society