John S. MATHERS

April 02, 1949 - April 16, 2024

Our families are profoundly sad to announce the sudden passing of John Stephen Mathers on April 16, 2024.

John was born in Portstewart, Northern Ireland on April 2, 1949. He spent his first seven formative years there before he emigrated to Canada with his parents Sam and Gladys, younger sister Linda, and brother, David in 1956. The family settled in Victoria, B.C. to begin a new life.

Growing up, he developed an interest in motorcycles and owned several in his teen years. He graduated from Mt. Douglas High School in 1966 and attended the University of Victoria where he received a BSc (Honours) in 1970. In 1967 he met the love of his life Joan, who was so impressed with his motorcycle skills and sense of humour, that they began dating and married in August 1970.

They began their married life in southern Ontario where John was a student in Biological Sciences at the University of Guelph. He graduated with an MSc (Distinction) in 1973 and began his career in the Science field with the Ontario Provincial government. In 1977, they moved to Winnipeg where John began his 27-year career with several Federal Government departments including Parks Canada, and in Vancouver, with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. His work in the field of biology gave him the opportunity to work and visit nearly every province and territory throughout Canada.

John was a keen walker, hiker and in his younger years, a cross-country skiing enthusiast. After his retirement he gave his free time to volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society helpline and at the Lodge in Vancouver, B.C. When he moved to Parksville in 2012, he volunteered with the Head Shave sponsored by the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department. Many of his retirement afternoons were spent reading his favourite newspaper, the Globe and Mail and English writers' mystery novels. John liked nothing more than finding that perfect craft beer at the end of the day!

John and Joan loved to travel and made numerous trips to Hawaii, and to Adelaide, Australia to visit his sister, Anne, and her family and with (late) Uncle Ed, and his children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed ocean cruising to Alaska, where they celebrated onboard many anniversaries, and to Northern and Southern Europe destinations and the Caribbean.

In 2012, they moved from Vancouver to Parksville to enjoy the relaxed community atmosphere in Craig Bay with its proximity to walking trails and beaches. For ten years they owned and enjoyed a home in southern California in the winter months and made many Canadian and American friendships.

John deeply loved his family and kept in touch with them whether at home or when travelling. He is sorely missed by his wife of 54 years, Joan, his siblings, Linda (Ron), David (Anne), and Anne (Roger), his brothers-in-law, Len (Fran), and Ron (Jill), cousin, Hazel. Also missing him are his nieces and nephews, Leanne, Lauren, Jennifer, Jason, Peter and Kimberley and many friends on Vancouver Island and across the country. We have shared and will continue to share our happy memories of all our family celebrations and gatherings with John.

Donations in John's name to Arrowsmith Search and Rescue and the B.C. Mental Health Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A private family service will be held in late August at First Memorial Funeral Services on Falaise Drive in Victoria.

Rest in peace, John