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John Colston ENGLISH

June 19, 2002

English, John Colston peacefully left us June 19, 2002 to join his beloved wife, Ruth (Greatrix) of 59 years. Son of Scotland, Glen Village, Falkirk November 25, 1919. Son of Nanaimo coal miner, Frank (Francis) and mother JeanEnglish. In 1936 John began as an apprentice at the Machine Shop of Western Fuel Corporation and Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd. at Union Bay. He left to join His Majesty’s forcein the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve as an Engineer. He served as Chief Petty Officer, ERA, on the HMCS Prescott (1940) and HMCS Prince Rupert (1943-1945) then after WW2 operating the boiler house at Dunsmuir sawmill (Qualicum) was followed with service in the CPR Princess ships (Joan and Nanaimo) and finally as stationary engineer in Harmac steam plant to retirement. His talent toimprovise, invent, fix and/or rebuild we hope has been passed on. A passionate fisherman and camper especially the Vancouver Island rivers and streams and the salt-waters within rowing of Shack Island. He and Ruth were original backroads explorers, always searching for that big trout, wild steelhead or the elusive spring salmon just around the next bend. Predeceased by his wife Ruth (2001), brothers Frank and Bob. Left to mourn are sister Marjorie Boylan; son John G. English (Diana), daughter Ruth Matson (Allan); grandchildren Melanie Gunderson, Helena Filmer, Carina Heyes and Daniel English. Nieces Maureen, Sheila,JoAnne; nephews Frank and Brian. Always supportive and loving father, patient and caring grandfather, embracing uncle and Pom Pom to the 10 jewels in his crown the great grandchildren. Gratitude is expressed for the kindness of Dr. T. Davies and his staff.


Child, see that man a standing there with stooped shoulders and graying hair Behold the greatest fisherman that every filled a frying pan His walk is slower.He stops to rest more now that then But don't be fooled by what you see He’ll still out fish both you and me. K. Best



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