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John Avis Obituary
John Spencer Avis, 54, was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada on May 31, 1961 to Dr. Walter S. and Faith (Hutchinson) Avis. His childhood in Cartwright Point was filled with outdoor adventures and the making of lifelong friends. John received a Bachelor of Engineering (Systems Design) at University of Waterloo. As part of Canada's team for the Americas' Cup, training in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he met and later married Heather Jane Macintosh. Together they moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where John received a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Naval Architecture) at UBC and began a career he loved in ship design. John and Heather moved to Annapolis, Maryland, in 1994, with Wartsila Marine. He loved music, sailing, and hockey - and was especially passionate when supporting his kids in these activities. He enjoyed coaching youth sports and was an ardent fan. John had a fulfilling career as a naval architect and senior project manager for Kvaerner Masa Marine, BMT Designers & Planners, and, most recently, Director of Government Business Development at Crowley Maritime. What John enjoyed most about his work, sports and activities was being part of a team. He was a loving father, husband, coach and friend, and will be missed dearly by all those whose lives he touched. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother James Carman Avis. He is survived by Heather, his wife of 24 years, Amelia, 18 and Will, 15; loving brother Peter Avis (Valerie Voight); niece Jennifer (Jon), nephew Matthew (Jillian); sister-in-law Margit Avis of Kingston, Ontario; Heather's parents Dan and Linda Macintosh; Sister-in-law Kate (Brad); and brother-in-law Ian (Jen); all of Halifax. An evening celebration of John's life for family and friends will be held in Annapolis, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay at 5 o'clock on September 5, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Avis
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Ellene Jones
September 19, 2015
Dear Heather, Amelia and Will,
I just heard about John passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Amelia, Marielle is still so impressed at how kind, smart and passionate you are.
Heather, Will and Amelia, prayers for your comfort and healing.
PEACE, Ellene Jones
Deborah Dudas
September 5, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of john. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers
Kevin & Amanda McNeil
September 5, 2015
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. He will be missed deeply by the Star Class, and remembered with fond memories sailing together
Grade 13 - Teacher Hockey Match
Michael Morash
September 2, 2015
John and Steve - Triumphant in Greece
Michael & Robin Morash
September 2, 2015
Our deepest condolences to your family. Robin and I worked our way through La Salle Secondary High School with John. Just an awesome and talented person, schoolmate and teammate. Always had a smile on his face. Many of us had the good fortune to travel to Greece in grade 12 and I remembered this photographic moment - John and Steve in triumph.
1984 Transatlantic race
Doug Bliss
September 1, 2015
John and I first met sailing in Kingston, Ontario. We became great friends during the summer of 1984 when there was a series of inter-provincial keelboat races in Lake Ontario, up the St Lawrence River and culminating in Charlottetown. We really bonded however during a transaltantic sailing race between Quebec and St Malo, France in September 1984 and subsequently spend a couple of dilinquent months delivering a sailboat down the coast of France, Gibraltor and into the Mediterrean Sea. Those were grand days when we were young men and seemingly invincible. You could not ask for a better friend and wing-man than John -- adventurous, smart, great with people, fun to be around and just a damn great guy. John will be missed.
Peter Driscoll
August 31, 2015
John was a great team mate in Hockey. Always positive and a great skater. I mostly knew John..or "Avis" as I called him from Hockey. More noticable was his stick work and toe dribble. I remember when John scored a sudden death goal against our team a few years back. The kind of goal you always dream of scoring. The kind that keeps you coming back. I always reminded him of it, right up until the last time I was lucky enough to speak with him. I bumped into John and his family at Masons Lobster Rolls on Main Street this summer. He of course went out of his way to say hello and introduce his family to mine who were visiting from Boston. His from Canada. From the first time I skated with john back in the early 2000s when I moved here from Boston he reminded me of my older brother. Big, tough, Gentle and kind. I can remember telling him that too. He made me feel at home in the new town of Annapolis. For that, I was always grateful. You will be missed John Avis....such a great person with the qualities I admired and looked up to. A great laugh and such a warm spirit.
August 31, 2015
Sad to hear about the loss of your loved one. During difficult times such as this May the family draw ever closer together and to God rely on the power beyond what is normal to get through this.
Orlie Reid
August 30, 2015
I only knew John through sports, baseball, soccer, and basketball as he was supporting Will. I was always impressed with his knowledge and quiet demeanor as I over heard many of his discussions. Brandon Liz and I send our sincere sympathy. I know that he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
August 29, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. It seems like just yesterday we were all at St Martin's Lutheran School. Hugs and love from Heidi, Chris, Claire, Ian and Emma Chamberlin
Parents gather on the bluff - for prom.
Mary Gallagher
August 29, 2015
I had always thought that John was the strong one in the Avis-MacIntoshes; the one who carried all the stuff into the building building behind Heather, who was gabbing, making plans. At Amelia's graduation, he corrected me, telling me Amelia might have received her academic acumen from himself. Now I know that those Avis kids had two strong, smart parents; a beautiful couple that lifted the whole community as they explored their passions. I am so, so sorry to lose John. Please know our thoughts and love are with your family. Love, Mary Grace, Chris and the Boys
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