John Anthony Braddock

With deep sadness we announce the passing of John Anthony at Elim Village on November 11th, 2024.

Always kind and cheery, he was well-loved by everyone who knew him. He was comforted and supported in his final days by his dear wife, Roberta and his loving family of Nicholas (Jax), Sarah (Dave) and Megan (Rob) and their families; close, caring extended family Leah, Meggin, Shana, Adrienne, and Brooke with their families; totalling 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In addition, his loving family from England, Sarah Tyer(James/Georgina) and Simon Brown (Liz/Lois/Finn/Milo).

John was born near Epsom, England, on June 5th, 1932. One of his earliest memories was of the blitz and bombing of London when he was a boy and he, years later, enlisted in the Royal Tank Regiment to serve as an officer in post-World War II peacekeeping exercises in Germany.

He found his niche in journalism working for newspapers and magazines in England and Canada as a writer and editor. In 1961, he moved to Fredericton, N.B. to write for and become managing editor of the Atlantic Advocate magazine (a glossy magazine promoting the maritimes). It was in Fredericton where he met and married Jennifer Black. They and their family came to British Columbia in 1971. John then joined the newsroom of the former (broadsheet style) Province newspaper where he focused on medical, healthcare and science issues. He transitioned his vocation to public relations and communications when he joined the British Columbia Health Association (BCHA) in the mid 80’s. During this time his first marriage dissolved.

In 1990 he married Roberta. Their life and successive years together centred around their large combined family; enjoying many happy and loving years in the Crescent Beach area of Surrey. John most valued time with his family and took delight in observing the personal development of the many grandchildren.

A man of many interests and talents, John was a humble virtuoso artist. He worked in various mediums such as watercolour, acrylic, oil paintings, and graphite drawings. He was also a sailor and spent many fond summers taking family sailing around the bay in White Rock, BC. He also enjoyed reading extensively; and he sought out opportunities to deepen his faith through active involvement in Christianity at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Ocean Park.

A celebration of John’s life will take place on January 17th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at St. Mark’s Anglican Church.

Donations to the Alzheimer's Society of BC [email protected] would be appreciated by the family, in lieu of flowers.