John Garnham Obituary
Born on October 4, 1939 in Worthing, England, John moved to Canada as a teenager. He proudly joined the RCMP and served for 27 years beginning in the prairies during the "wild" days of justice, then in Ottawa, then finally in Vancouver. John retired from the RCMP and spent another 10 years serving the federal government.
John moved his family to Ladner in 1974 and has thoroughly enjoyed all that the west coast has to offer. He instilled in his kids a love of nature, water, and buying secondhand.
John was a magnet to good people, always surrounded by great friends and his interests widely varied from birds to binoculars to boats to garage sales. John had an uncanny ability to fix anything and passed this down to his kids. He and Kay also took many trips in their camper and loved to go sea kayaking together. John always felt great satisfaction in sharing his love of the outdoors with the ones he loved.
A Celebration of his Life will be held as an open house on Tuesday, August 30 from 4pm to 7pm at 4315 Frew Road off Tamboline Road on Westham Island. In honour of one of John's passions, we will be hosting at the celebration the "ultimate" garage sale and we encourage you to bring something to sell or to buy your own treasure, with all proceeds going towards Lymphoma Research with the BC Cancer Agency.
We love you John and miss you, and know that you are always in the water and the wind.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
Keaton Garnham
May 11, 2024
I can't remember much becuase I was so young but I can remember one time he took me to his house when we were very young and gave us toys I still have in great condition 13 years later.
Graham Ronne
August 28, 2019
He was a true friend in such a short period of time. We lost touch, I am saddened to know only now of his passing. My sympathies and love go out to John s family, Kay and Maki.
Tracie M
September 14, 2011
“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
Roy, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family. May happy memories give you comfort and strength, and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Peter J
September 4, 2011
It was with a lot of sadness that I heard of John's passing. Some of my fondest memories of him are having a cup of tea and chat in his shop with classical music playing softly in the background, listening to his incredible stories of past adventures. When getting to know John, I was surprised by his unexpected sense of humor and equally unexpected love of Slurpees. I remember his love of a good deal and quality optics, as well as his generosity letting others use his toys and sharing his knowledge.
My condolences to Kay and the rest of his family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
August 29, 2011
Deepest regards..John was a valued friend in soo many ways..his wisdom , knowledge and love for all his family and LIFE interests ..We spent many . many hours talking about optics , equipment and technologies, I will deeply miss John's friendship and hope he was aware how much he was respected by my self in soo many ways, Marc C
August 26, 2011
our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill & Kathy Hartley
Pat Rogers
August 26, 2011
with fond memories of John! Wish we had taken him up on his offer to teach us how to kyack!
Last time I saw him he was happily purchasing travel tickets for Roy's wedding in Mexico.
Rest in peace, John. You've left behind three great kids and their families...
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in John Garnham's name
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Garnham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
