John Thomas Rees

REES, John Thomas
1937 - October 22, 2023
Born in 1937, John grew up in the small town of Craigmyle, Alberta. As a young man he moved to Edmonton, where he began his career in the dental supplies industry. He met his wife Donna in a 'meet-cute' worthy of the movies, and together they built a marriage that lasted 62 years. John's promotion to regional manager brought the family to Victoria in 1965, where they raised their three children. He worked for Ash Temple for over 40 years, well-respected within the field for his honesty, integrity, and good humour.

An expert fisherman (disputed) and a lover of travel (confirmed), he and Donna enjoyed exploring the world but loved nowhere quite so much as Weirs Beach, where they spent many summers with family and friends.

He loved long hot baths. He loved to be on the ocean, but never in it. His garden was beautiful, and every year mother deer and their fawns found sanctuary amongst his well-tended hedges. His pancakes were legendary, his raisin cookies thin as paper. Witty and wise, he was a wordsmith who unfailingly delivered profound and emotional toasts at all family gatherings. He tread gently upon the earth, and respected all people. Ever the consummate host, nothing as trivial as a mere deathbed could stop him from offering those gathered with him glasses of fizzy water.

Predeceased by his parents, Fred and Ethel, and his brothers, Donnie Jim and Ken, he leaves behind his wife, Donna; his children, Murray (Beth), Laura (Tim), and Gord (Kate); his grandchildren, Cayleigh (Irah), Jordan (Stef), Megan, and Jane; and his great-grandchild, Izzy - as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The world is a better place for having had him in it for these 86 years. Then, now, and always - he was loved, he is loved; he is love.

We'll miss you John, Dad, Grampa, Grandpa, Papa John.

A private family service will be held at a later time. Donations in his memory can be made to a charity of your choice.