John Godfrey Richmond Lattimer

LATTIMER, John Godfrey Richmond
1948 - 2024

Beloved father, brother, friend, and partner passed away on November 2, 2024 after a decade-long battle with Inclusion Body Myositis. He will be remembered for his love of life, deep generosity, and ability to keep moving forward despite life's setbacks.

Born April 18, 1948 to Richard and Gwen Lattimer in Hawera, New Zealand, John lived a bucolic childhood in the New Zealand countryside and then moved with his family to England and Wales by steamer ship in 1963. His father was a teacher and moved the family to Gull Lake, Saskatchewan (1966) where John graduated high school, and then on to Ucluelet in 1969. A talented young actor, John was offered opportunities to act in London, but ultimately chose the Island as his stage. John had the time of his life as a young man on BC's wild west coast, working in forestry, fishing and hospitality in Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver and beyond. He married Helen Fowler and, though they separated after a few years, their enduring friendship is a testament to the power of relationships in John's life.

In 1977 he moved to Victoria, where he opened a children's bookstore, became an active member of Victoria's theatre scene, and met the love of his life, Andrea, - for whom he built a garden, and with whom he raised two children, Robin (husband, Peter and daughter, Quinn) and Rory (wife, Shauna and son, Henry). After Andrea's tragic passing from cancer in 1997, John devoted himself to the challenge of being a single parent - weaving together multiple jobs, so as to always be available for his children. John was an early part of UVic's homestay student program, and maintained lasting friendships with the many international friends he welcomed into his home.

His favourite role was to provide food for the people he loved, including hosting boisterous dinner parties, late-night jam and chutney making, and without-notice-but-always-welcome soup and baked good deliveries. John loved and was loved by many, including Maura Lamb - with whom he shared candle-lit dinners and endless laughter, and Silvia Rice-Jones - who was his treasured friend and devoted companion in his final years.

In addition to his children, and grandchildren, John is survived by his siblings and confidants Elizabeth, Susan, and Simon, and many friends from across the world and all stages of his life.

Despite the challenges he faced, John always lived his life as if it was a grand adventure and the world his stage. His unconquerable joy will be missed but lives on in those he loved.

John's family will be holding a celebration of life for him on May 10th and welcomes everyone who knew and loved him. For details, contact Robin Hawker by phone or email. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Victoria - an organization that provided incredible support to John as he navigated his illness.