John Cann

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Del, daughter Louise (Nic) Vanderlinde, grandchildren Jessica (Justin) Diehl, Amanda (Mike) Beaudoin, Nathan (Lauren) Vanderlinde, Vanessa (Josh) Beaudoin, ten great grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends in Canada, Britain, and many other places.

Predeceased by his son, Paul, the family celebrates their reunion and John’s face-to-face meeting with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as other beloveds.

John was born on September 18th 1940 during the battle of Britain, in Llanelli, Wales to Cecil and Mabel Cann and enjoyed a rich family life with his three older brothers, (Cyril, Herbert, and Royston) and younger sister (Christine), first in Wales and then Bridgewater, England.

John trained as a teacher, along with his wife, Del, and after four years emigrated to Canada, along with their children, Louise and Paul: they took only four suitcases and a bucket of LEGO.

He taught in BC: Riondel, Sicamous, Creston, and Salmo, with a one year stint in Wales. He was principal of Valley Christian School (Creston), Elim Christian School (North Vancouver), and Valley Christian School ( Abbotsford, Matsqui, Chilliwack). He taught and ministered in many places, including Mexico, Uganda, Nicaragua and Korea, and ended his teaching career at Pacific Academy. Following this, John enjoyed several years of interim pastoring in BC, including Cherryville, Haida Gwai, Sunshine Coast, and Hope.

John loved to sing, was involved with the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir, and had a keen sense of humour and wit. His interests were varied: he enjoyed knitting and puzzling, current events and creation science, reading, writing, enjoying traveling and nature. He had a strong love of homeland and family, and always had several projects on the go.

John’s personable, opinionated, and outgoing personality will be missed and certainly not forgotten. Those who know him will appreciate his new freedom from sickness and pain and his graduation to heaven.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service for John at 1 PM, Saturday, September 17, First Avenue Christian Assembly 46510 First Avenue, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1W9. Refreshments to follow.