January 18, 2020
John Sevcov passed away peacefully on January 18, 2020 at the age of 96 with Norma, his wife of 71 years, by his side.
He is survived by his loving wife Norma, 3 daughters; Gayle (Jim), Donna, Karen (Charles), 6 grandchildren; Brandon (Christine), Breonna (Steve), Courtenay (Djimith), Brett, Kirsten (Jimmy), Brittany (Chad), 3 step grandchildren; Casey, Adam, Laina and 11 great grandchildren who loved their NONO. He is also survived by his younger brother Mike (Dorothy), numerous nieces and nephews and the Luvisotto family.
John was born in the small village of Gerlachov, Slovakia and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was 8 years old where they settled in Coalhurst, Alberta.
In 1939, John joined the Canadian army. He often talked about his time in Holland and was so proud of a plaque he received from the people of Holland thanking him for his contribution to Holland's liberation.
After his discharge from the army, he moved to Nanaimo and it was there he met Norma at the Pygmy Dance Hall. Johnny and Norma loved to dance and could they ever do the jitterbug. They married in 1948 and 4 years later started their family.
He worked at Harmac for 30 plus years and retired at 55 to enjoy a second career doing finishing work with his son in law Charles. John was a longtime member of the Legion, Branch 256 and the Felice Cavallotti Lodge.
To his daughters he was a superhero. He could fix anything, build anything, including all the homes they lived in growing up. He enjoyed fastball in his younger days, golfing and a good "Manhattan". He could always be found puttering around in his workshop or out in his garden.
He took pride in his grandchildren and his great grandchildren, always having time for them and teaching them about the world around them. He loved his family and always put them first. He was kind, loving, patient, non-judgemental, hardworking and above all loved by all those who knew him.
His sweet smiled will be missed by many, but mostly by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As his wife said after his passing, he was the best husband I could have asked for, really the best.
Thank you to the caregivers who became almost like family in John's last few years. Your kindness and care was very much appreciated. You made it possible for John to go out "feet first" in his home as he wished. A special thank you to Shannon for always being there for "Boss".
"No Service by Request" The family will celebrate John's life at a later date on a beautiful sunny day.
A LIFE WELL LIVED DAD!!