August 7, 1945 - September 16, 2022
In loving memory ~
With heavy hearts we share the news that John has passed away surrounded by an enormous amount of love and compassion. He is predeceased by son Shaun, his parents Percy and Doreen Symons, and his in-laws John and Truus Oud. He is survived by his wife Carol of 44 years, his daughter Heidi (Simon), his son Nicholas, his daughter Devon (Stephen), and his daughter Jillian (Michael). He is also survived by his four siblings: Janet (Joe), Colin (Pat), Chris (Kathy), and Scott, and their children to whom he was always "Uncle John". He also has four beautiful grandchildren (Mackenzie, Lauryn, Conrad, and William) who held a very special place in his heart. He will watch over them always.
His love of the ocean, above and below the surface, began at an early age. He was one of the earliest and youngest diving instructors in Canadian history at the time of his certification. He also enjoyed skin diving and once won an octopus wrestling competition! He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman and he left his mark up and down Vancouver Island. There was always fresh seafood on the table and in the freezer and it was shared with anyone who came to visit. The locations of the secret fishing spots will remain with him although they might also be known to his best fishing buddy (bring your own net!).
We wish to acknowledge and thank a generous angel for the life-saving gift of a kidney in 1994 so that John could be with his family for another 28 years. Please consider becoming an organ donor so that other families can keep their loves ones for longer.
A celebration of John's incredible life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Kidney Foundation or BC Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice. John's final wish is that everyone takes care of their families, as he did for his entire life.
Fish On!!