John Sambrook

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Sambrook on Dec 12, 2018. Beloved husband of Mary and loving father to Bart (Susan), Caro and Patrick. He is survived by his sister Anne Cowan.

John was born in London, England and came to Canada in 1956 to make a life for himself in Montreal. His first job was bartending at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club where he met many life-long friends and, eventually he worked for the Royal Trust in Methods and Systems and at Canadair. He had several passions which he never stopped pursuing until the last days of his life.

In his early years he played in goal on his school soccer teams and then became an accomplished cricket player for the National Air Training Corps. Foremost in his life, however, was his love of automobiles and car racing which resulted in his recent induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame as a driver, instructor and track designer. He also loved playing, teaching and competing in squash, both singles and doubles; in the summer he would switch rackets and play tennis.

John was a founder of the Opimian Society which he ran for 35 years during which time he traversed the country countless times educating Canadians on the joys of wines from all over the world. His love of wine would spread to publishing, guided tours to wine producing countries and his involvement in the William Hill Winery (Napa, CA), the Black Prince Winery (Picton, ON) and Winesecrets (Sebastapol, CA). John was also an avid and accomplished chef who loved to treat friends and family to creative and delicious cuisine always carefully matched with fine wines.

A memorial service is planned at 11:00am Friday February 8, 2019 at St. Georges Church, 1101 Stanley, in Montreal. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Cedars Cancer Foundation in John’s memory.