Passed away peacefully on January 27, 2009, just short of his 83rd birthday. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rita; their children Therese, Tim (Caron), Shelagh, Susan (Garnet) Hubbard and Marty (Kim); grandchildren Joel, Amanda, Jeffrey, Quin, Sarah, Brynna, Jacob, Kyle, and Alana; his niece and grand-niece Tara and Kathleen, and god-child and nephew Gerry Preston. John was born in Orillia, ON on February 11, 1926, one of nine siblings. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Preston and Joan Clarke, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. After John graduated from Ontario Agricultural College at University of Guelph in 1951, he worked for Agriculture Canada for 35 years. He married Rita in 1959, and they eventually transferred to Winnipeg, where they raised their five children. Dad was a committed volunteer - at his church, on boards of directors for Catholic schools, and for the Knights of Columbus. He is remembered by his children for playing sports with them, camping at the lake, veggies from his garden, and always encouraging them to “climb trees and chase squirrels”. Dad and Mom retired to Kelowna, BC in 1994, where he continued his involvement with the Knights of Columbus at St. Theresa’s and was recognized as Knight of the Year. Dad enjoyed playing golf and bridge, spending time with grandchildren, skiing, watching football on TV, bike riding, travelling and Tim Horton’s coffee. Dad was soft spoken and low-key, with a mischievous sense of humour. Our thanks to the Palliative Response Team, staff at 4B at KGH, and Central Okanagan Hospice House. Donations may be made to the Cancer Center of the Southern Interior, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3. Prayers will be offered Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 750 Rutland Road North, Kelowna BC. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 30, at 11:00 am, at St. Theresa’s, with internment following at St. Theresa’s Cemetery. Dad will be missed by his family and all with whom he came in contact. He is with God, and at peace. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com. 250-860-7077.