John Victor Bredin

Born October 24, 1937 (Toronto)

John died peacefully on November 24, 2016 in Victoria with his family at his side.

John was an extraordinary man to those of us who knew and loved him well. His kindness, creativity, industriousness, humility and understated charm defined and enriched his life and lives of his family and friends. He was an independent thinker; confident in his beliefs and abilities; but modest and self-effacing.

John had a keen sense of the absurd and often used humour to connect with people and deflect emotions and shyness. Many people were attracted to John’s ironic and quirky humour, and his unpretentious and gentle nature.

John married the woman he loved and thrived in family life that included three children and three grandchildren who adored him. John’s life was punctuated with grievous loss and illnesses, which he faced with outward courage and forbearance.

Throughout his life, John passionately pursued a range of personal interests, including drawing, photography, sailing, gardening, and carpentry. He brought intellectual curiosity, love of nature, a strong esthetic sensibility and discipline to these endeavors.

In recent years, John progressed through stages of dementia that gradually stripped away the essence of the man we loved so dearly. Even in these years though, John was a striking man who continued to attract the affection and good will of those around him.

John is predeceased by his sister Michelle and son Jeff; survived by wife Sigi, daughters Judy (Bill), Kelly (Chris), grandchildren Harris, Frankie, and Cooper, brothers Peter (Karen), Larry (Barb), and Michael (Linda) of Ontario, and brother-in-law Helmut (Susanne) of Orlando, Florida.

A celebration of John's life will be held for family and friends at Windsor Park Pavilion in Oak Bay from 3-6 on Sunday December 11, 2016. An informal program allowing friends and family to share their stories and memories or John will begin at 3:30pm.

John’s family would like to extend special thanks to the skilled and tenderhearted staff at Sunrise Senior Living and to Dr. Buie for his kindness and compassion.

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria, BC.