Obituary of John Mennie

1929 - 2012

We are extremely sad to announce that after a courageous 6 year battle with prostate cancer, John passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and family by his side on March 25th, 2012.

John was the eldest of 6 children born June 24th, 1929, to Alex and Josephine Mennie. Early life for John was a constant adventure as his parents moved from one remote wilderness camp to another, residing in such places as Camborne and Bayonne until he came to Kimberley at age 7 to begin school.

John's love of nature was deeply ingrained from the beginning and some of the happiest times in his life were when his family began a logging company together. He continued in this endeavour until 1965 when he attended UBC to attain his teaching degree. His first assignment was at Mt Baker Senior Secondary in 1966 and there he remained until his retirement in 1984.

John met the love of his life, Darleen, and married in 1956. Two years later they had their only child, Tammy, whom he adored. Together they enjoyed all the outdoor adventures one could imagine. John's next joy in life came in the form of his 2 grandsons with whom he shared his heart, his soul, and every moment of time that he could. They were inseparable.

John was predeceased by his father, Alex, in 1962, and his 100 year young, amazing mother, Josephine, only 3 weeks earlier this month on Mar 5th. John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Darleen, his daughter Tammy, and her husband Greg who was as much a son to John as John was a father to him. He is also survived by his two adoring grandsons, Thomas and James, and his five siblings, Bill, Peter, Nora (Nick), Ian (Brenda) and Claire (Don).

John loved everyone, family, friends and colleagues, deeply and unconditionally. What appealed to him most were the simple things in life - hiking in the wilderness, fishing in a stream, listening to music, coffee with a friend, and most of all, visiting with his family. Quite simply... he enjoyed all that life had to offer as fully as any person could possibly do.

A service for John will be held at McPherson's Funeral Home, 2200 - 2nd Street South

Cranbrook, BC at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 1st, 2012. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to BC Cancer Society, bccancerfoundation.com

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com