John Greenwood

January 8, 2022

My Love John Greenwood

John was taken from us on Saturday January 8, 2022.his loving wife of 51 years holding him dearly with family watching over as he slipped away peacefully.

Following a diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure in July 2017, John was diagnosed with onset dementia. Lifestyle changes were about to begin, determined as John was in everything he did, changes came easy. No longer was the nearest pub or LCB on our list of stops, regular walking was back on, eating habits, which he already mastered were monitored and the non-smoking (cold turkey) since late 1998 or so was not an issue. He continued stable with his heart condition, but the dementia took over and slowly progressed. The past four years we have had ups and downs, but we felt blessed to be able to continue some golf and short trips. We are grateful for the precious time but saddened by his loss now.

John was born in Victoria BC to Georgina and Jim Ford. Jim served in the war and unfortunately was hospitalized until his death. John was predeceased by his stepfather Frank Greenwood, his Mother Georgina, his brothers Reg and Tom and his sister Blanche. Affectionately remembered by his sister Winnie (Gerry Potts) of White Rock BC.

John grew up in the Burnaby/ White Rock area and left home at an early age. Always wanting to join the military in some fashion, he made his way to Toronto in the early “50s”. After several attempts to sign up he got into the Merchant Marines working on supply ships. For all the grandkids and nieces and nephews, that is where the arm tattoos originated!

John started his "real work" career when he returned to BC in the mid "50's"...first working in construction industry while building the Fraser Canyon Hwy # 1 tunnels. Later, he joined Otis Elevator Company. Installing and maintaining elevator/escalator in Vancouver. Following a dangerous fall at a job site, he transferred to the Elevator Inspection Safety Branch for what became a desk job with many outside inspections and some travel. He enjoyed the opportunity to visit places like Hyder Alaska and the Prince Rupert coastline. After 45 plus years, he decided to take early retirement in Marcy 1992.

In June 1970, John married Gloria. Little did he know that he was marrying into a family of 7 girls! In later years, it was not only the 6 sisters-in-law, but 24 more nieces and nephews. His four children, Marten, Korenna, Lavana and Rob soon learnt to share their dad. Family marriages, gatherings, travel all followed along with the arrival of 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren with more to come!

John was the most gentle and caring Grandfather and Uncle to all the children. He took great pride in babysitting, changing diapers, and telling stories about his tattoos to all who would listen. Today we reflect on his infectious laugh and his Santa beard ...as some called it.

Gloria and John were very fortunate through Gloria's job to travel extensively. Gloria continued to work for 10 more years during which time they continued to travel. John volunteered for years with the ANAF in Steveston as director of the ANAVETS Housing. He enjoyed his time doing the weekly meat draw calling at the ANAF as well as playing Santa for several years at the Children's Christmas event. Travel was certainly in their minds, so Gloria retired early in 2003 and good health prevailed allowing more travel/cruises/ and golf gigs. Condo living suited this lifestyle and was enjoyed to the fullest.

My dear John, you will be missed so much but I know you are in good hands, and I am happy we had our time together, in sickness and in health.

My Love. The sun is shinning, and the flight is ready. Go safely and enjoy the long-awaited beers with your dear friends who have waited many years to welcome you! I know you will be watching over me and your loved ones as we share our precious memories forever.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice in John's memory. Post Covid, an outdoor celebration of John' life will be planned.

We wish to acknowledge and thank the nurses, doctors, and caregivers at the Parkview Tertiary Residence for the loving care John received while in their care.

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Messages of Condolence

John will always have a special place in our heart. We have fond memories of time we spent with John. We will never forget him and he will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with him and may he Rest In Peace. Love you John. Gloria you were an amazing wife and cared for John to the end which I’m sure he appreciated. Maybe he never showed it but you were his rock and he loved you dearly. Now it’s time for you to focus on memories and yourself. Take care sister. We love you ~ Terry and Iris Gallais

Grab a coffee and enjoy my luv story that started before I was born and solidified when he was the first person to hold me in the hospital. My first memory is of my Grandma Georgina, Mum and Uncle John sitting at the kitchen table and me just walking. He brought me a bright yellow banana harmonica. I still remember his mischievous grin, my Grandma laughing and my Mum holding her coffee cup with two hands shooting daggers at them as I blasted my lungs out. He became my favourite Uncle. Our luv story continued a with sleep overs, even after I had given their lava lamp a shake thus never to work again, and later I peeled the stickers off a brand new Rubik's Cube. Not once did he get mad at me. Many may not know, but he had a magic belly button. He told me a train could go through it. I was in awe. The luv I felt being with him and Auntie Gloria was like a wonderland. As I got older, he and I had a deal where we would call one another on our birthdays. It didn't matter where we were in the world or what time it was, he capitalized on the time part, we had to call one another. The 5am phone calls started with “Sheri-Anne, what are you doing?” I’m sure he lived to wake me up. Now if you knew Uncle John, you knew that there were consequences to breaking a deal. Let me tell you, the dinner I had to pay for was almost a paycheque. I never missed another birthday, right up until his last. Uncle John prided himself on following me around and watching me compete in diving. I remember blowing a dive once and all I could hear was him griping that the judges didn’t know what they were doing. He continued this with my son Thomas, who was fencing on team Canada. There weren’t many Canadian tournaments out west, but when there was, he and Aunt Gloria would beat us to the Olympic Oval. He was there with my dad at what would be the last tournament my dad would see. Both he and Dad thought they knew better than the referee when Thomas wasn’t awarded the point. The pride on both of their faces when Thomas won Gold is etched on my heart. When it comes to his tattoos, he would point his finger at me and in all seriousness tell me never to get one, I was five. I hid my first one from him. On our last visit with him at the care home, I showed him my memorial tattoo and he told me how much he liked it. I knew he knew who I was because he asked if my dad had paid for it, with a chuckle. He may have forgotten that his little brother passed away, but he remembered the joke between us. Our luv story is now on pause. We left it on a cliff-hanger with a kiss and a hug. I luv you Uncle John. You best be available on March 26th for a chat. ~ Sheri Greenwood

Uncle John was a impactful person in my life, and many others who knew him. My favourite memories of my Uncle was watching him and his brother (my papa) interact. I don't think I had ever seen two people amuse themselves as much as those two. I was told many stories about the two from their childhoods. My Uncle John and Auntie Gloria were always there whenever I had any events in BC, and cheering me on the entire way. This lasted from youth all the way up to my final competition. Miss and Love you Uncle John ~ Thomas Greenwood

I have so many wonderful memories of you Grandpa. We spent so many Canada Days watching the Steveston parade, sleeping over at your place with our cousins and having races rolling down the grass hill beside your house. I will never forget your big laugh. You always took us for fish and chips with ice cream for desert and walks along the board walk. I will always remember the summer days with you checking out the antique car show or running with Chase in the park. Thank you for giving me the confidence to re-learn how to ride a bike the summer of my 13th birthday. You’re patience with me was unparalleled. Thank you for being my grandpa and for loving me through it all. I will always carry my memories of you. Love you and miss you. ~ Doni Hodges

Uncle John you will be missed and always remembered! At a young age I remember the visits to Vancouver and the trips he and Aunty made to us, no matter what province or city we were in. I always looked forward to my travels when I could come stay or at least stop by for a visit and enjoy some laughter. Thanks for being an amazing Uncle! Aunty Gloria, love and hugs to you and the rest of the family for such a difficult loss ~ Jodie Gallais

DEAR JOHN..........WORDS CANNOT SAY HOW MUCH YOU WILL BE MISSED....... ESPECIALLY YOUR HARTY LAUGHTER, WORLD KNOWLEDGE, POLITICS, JOKES N THE LIST GOES ON.........BUT YOUR MEMORIES WILL FOREVER STAY IN MY HEART WITH THE MANY VISITS, DINNERS N FUN TIMES ON EVERY VISIT, NEVER A DULL MOMENT.........GLORIA YOU HAVE DONE AN AMASING JOB LOOKING AFTER DEAR JOHN FROM DAY ONE N TO THE VERY END, NOW ITS TIME TO DO THE SAME FOR YOURSELF. I SHALL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU N MY MEMORIES OF JOHN WILL NEVER FADE N I KNOW HE WILL ALWAYS BE CHECKING UP ON ALL OF US. REST IN PEACE DEAR JOHN UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN...LOVE YOU ALL WITH BIG HUGS. ~ Shirley Matkowski

John, like Jack Frost on my windows each year you will always be the winter in my heart…..and to this I can feel your bear paw on my shoulder telling me I live in the wrong province! So many beautiful memories with you are forever etched in my heart…..You and Mom eating thick, raw onion bunwiches (yuk) and never having yuk breath which I don’t get? But then, never did I see you not perfectly manicured with your signature beard! Then there was you babysitting your grand kiddos like soldiers before the anticipated ice cream trip…Of course, you and me always had to have ice cream whether on the farm, the boardwalk or in Kits! I will remember you as in the photo reading the newspaper which is most precious and the John I know….glasses a bit lowered and the “John look “. Oh! What a crossword whiz you were! May the Heavens welcome you home and be sure to share those onion sandwiches. Much love. ❤️❤️ Sis, Bless you as you say farewell to your love and life partner, John. You exemplified the true meaning of til death do us part,,,,,caring, sharing and devoting your never ending love to your husband. Together you shared John’s trip home. May all your memories bring smiles to you now. ~ Gladys Matkowski

Our sympathies to John’s family. He was a treasured friend to Don, myself and our girls. We have so many memories of John and many good times over the years, card games, casinos, dinners, Hawaii. He will be missed. Love Bonnie, Don and Lindsay and Lianne. ~ Bonnie Murray

My condolences to Gloria and all of John's family. He was a great friend to us for many years. We shall miss him very much but thankful for all the memories we have of John over the past 50 plus years. Love Fran and family. ~ Fran Gendron

John Greenwood

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