John Wayne Bismeyer

June 5, 2019
Early in the morning of June 5, John left his troubles and pain behind and sailed into his perfect and eternal life. John was born in Vancouver, first son, 4th child, for John and Eva. Life was revved up for the Bismeyer family! A very sociable and multi talented child, John was busy with his 'gang' of kids, in little league baseball, delivering newspapers, entertaining his sisters and scouting. He always had a pet, usually a family of cats. At age 15 he was presented to the Lieutenant Governor as a Queen Scout .
After high school John was Asst.manager at the White Spot but soon wanted to leave city life and moved to Quesnel. He returned to Vancouver for a few years of chauffeuring people in his Advance Cab #23 and was an active member of a sailing club. He decided to return living closer to nature and chose Nanaimo with its inviting harbour, and his local favourite, the Colliery Dams. He was happiest being on, in, or beside water, especially the ocean, going out on his little boat the 'Eva B'.
John was the family entertainer and that was his mission to the end. His quick wit was expected and usually appreciated! Some family members called him "the white Eddy Murphy". You never knew what was coming! The past 25 years John did landscaping and garden maintenance work. It gave him great pleasure to see gardens completely transformed. Regardless of the weather he was hauling, grooming, planting, pruning and cleaning up, ready to stop and share his outlook on life and local politics mixed with a little BS.
John was predeceased by his parents, brother Stephen sister Debbie and very dear friend Linda Neville. He will be missed by his sisters Marilyn Bennett, Sharon Grams, Joanne Christmann and brother Greg Bismeyer, cousins Dianne Kerr and Janice Robinson as well as long time friends, client friends, neighbours, his feline kids and his furry and feathered friends.
There will be a gathering in John's honour at the local spot he loved, the lower Colliery Dam (Sixth St. and Wakesiah in Nanaimo) at 3 pm. on Thursday July 25. We invite you to join us and to bring a 'John' story. In memory of John, plant something special, adopt a pet, or take another walk along the ocean enjoying the beauty as he had.