Mar 1, 1944 - Jun 6, 2018
We are deeply saddened to announce the death of John Blackburn on June 6, 2018 in Nanaimo, BC. John died on his own terms, as he lived, with peace, courage and dignity, at home and surrounded by his family.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, John emigrated to the U.S. with his family as a young boy, living briefly in Hawaii before moving to La Jolla, California. He met Holly in a biology class at the University of California, Davis, and they were married in 1969 shortly after moving to BC. John studied at UBC before taking a job at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo in 1974, where he worked until his retirement in 2009.
John loved his family, his friends and his work. An avid runner, cyclist, paddler, hiker, surfer and cross-country skier, he enjoyed countless adventures with friends and family as well as solo trips in his beloved Toyota Tercel station wagon. He spent many years volunteering for Nanaimo Search and Rescue and the Mount Washington Ski Patrol Association. John was a lover of animals, an enthusiastic gardener and a lifelong environmentalist. He was a deeply intelligent man with a spare and forthright communication style and an excellent sense of humour. Strong and resilient in body and character, possessed of a restless energy and driven to learn and solve problems, John was a source of steadfast support to his family and legions of friends.
John is survived by his wife Holly Blackburn; daughters Jean Blackburn and Elizabeth Blackburn; Anne Blackburn, who was like a second mother to him; siblings Betty Guernsey, Richard Blackburn, Catherine Blackburn, Anne M. Blackburn and Suzan Tiemroth; aunt Louisa Hamilton and several cousins in Australia; in-laws Marianne Wedemeyer and Jud Jensen (Bonnie); eleven nieces and nephews who loved their "fun uncle"; and thirteen great-nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his mother, Florence Blackburn, in 1996 and his father, Maurice Blackburn, in 2012.
John was surrounded by love and support throughout his illness. We will be forever grateful to his wide circle of relatives, friends, and neighbours who gave him company, comfort and sustenance. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Charles Lam, John's friend and GP, who cared not only for John's body but also his soul. Heartfelt thanks are also due to all the skilled and compassionate nurses, doctors, health care attendants and volunteers in the NRGH Cancer Clinic and Palliative Care Unit, and the BC Cancer Agency.
At John's request there will not be a formal memorial, but the family will be organizing gatherings in Nanaimo and California for his family and friends to remember and celebrate his wonderful life.
Donations in John's memory may be made to The Nature Trust of B.C. (Butter tubs).