John was born in Provost, Alberta of Russian immigrants, Cornelius and Suzanna. He was born into a large family, consisting of 3 boys, and 6 girls: Freda (Henry) Isaac, Margaret, Carol (Fred) Clayton, Neil (Kay, Lou), Sue (Ken, Al) Johnson, Jake (Agnes) Olga, (Jake) Epp, and Alvina (John) Reimer.
After a few too many cold winters in Alberta, the family moved into a small farm house in Yarrow, BC. He was educated in Sumas Prairie and, as a young man, took a job working on the pipeline, which he considered the best job he ever had.
John, together with his 2 brothers bought their first truck and started the company we now know as Vedder Transport. He loved to work and was a gifted fabricator, spending hours in the shop.
He married Doris Gienger in 1955 and had a son, Rodney in 1960.
John has always been an active member in the Church of the Nazarene. He loved to help with the youth group and often took them to McD’s for something to eat.
He had a fabulous baritone voice and sang in the Men of Song Choir as well as in the church choir.
After 51 years of marriage, Doris passed away. John was blessed again when he married Lorna Healy and inherited 4 stepchildren, John (Carrie), Julie (Jordan), Jason (Genevieve), and James (Natalie) and 5 step grandchildren.
Rod will miss his dad dearly, together with his wife Laura and their daughters, Julianna and Emily. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Valhaven for the exceptional care John received.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 2-4 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC.
His family would like to welcome you to the Memorial Service that will be held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 2 pm at Central Heights Church, 1661 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, BC.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com
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