Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1936
DIED
2023
John CALDWELL Obituary
John began his working career in 1954 as an apprentice machinist at Yarrows Shipyard, advancing to foreman at age 30. His talent in his trade took him all over the world and after a wonderful career in the ship repair business, John retired as Ship Repair Superintendent from the Victoria Shipyard in 2000.
John's true passion was the training of his Labrador Retrievers for field trials, of which he was an icon. He trained and competed locally, provincially, nationally and internationally earning many Field Trial Championships with his dogs, most notably with Firwoodhill's Dynamo (Dino) - they were an impressive team. John was recognized as the Vancouver Island Retriever Club's Honourary Member in 2020 for decades of his contributions to retriever field trials and the VIRC as a competitor, judge and breeder, and holding multiple positions on the VIRC Executive. John's field trial family meant the world to him - so many friendships, so many good times. Thank you Jim, Hope and Wes for your visits.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate John's life will be held on June 3, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at 1509 Charlton Road, Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, please direct donations to Canada Blood Services or your desired animal rescue organization.
Memories and Condolences
for John CALDWELL
5 Entries
Ken Caldwell
June 6, 2023
Uncle John was so much fun when we were kids he'd take us on the back of his dirt bike and we'd hang on to the back of him while he went around the property. As an adult I stayed with him for a week and he had 2 black labs that greeted me in the morning, He would say "wait for the dogs to come to you." He knew his dogs and how to train them! He was kind, loved his job and was great at it with intelligence that went far beyond a job and was sought after for that reason. He loved just living a simple life around his family. A man to be admired and remembered.
Pamela Bentley
April 17, 2023
I worked with John for many years at Vic Ship and found him to be a compassionate gentleman. Condolences to his family, including his beloved labs
jimmie isacson
April 17, 2023
So sorry to hear about johns passing ,knew john for years as i worked at yarrows from 1962 in the shipwright shop and then at victoria shipyard in the steel dept .john was a very easy going person and i had a lot of respect for him ,god bless.jimmie isacson .
How you can show support
Brent Peterson
April 16, 2023
Fond memories of John when I was a child and he was boarding with us on Hobbs Road. He would take me for exciting rides on his motorcycle through the trails of Queenswood woods and going with Dad to "help" John build a house.
Condolences to the family.
Brent Peterson
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results