John Minichiello

Rest in peace sir ..my thoughts to his dear family .I was a student and grad 1977.

John was a teacher at Britannia when I was a student and the principal when my husband was a student. My next interaction with John was when he was asked to be an interim Executive Director at Britannia Community Centre and at that time I was in the acting position of the senior secretary so I got to work very closely with John and had the privilege of showing him how to use e-mail, every morning for several weeks. He was very grateful and gave me a bottle of what he called a ruined batch of wine that he turned into sherry. John was a great leader and a very respectful boss. He continued to be very involved with the Centre through some very turbulent times and helped the leadership both past and present right up to the last couple of years. The loss of John will be felt for years to come.
Our condolences to his family and friends and may John rest in peace.

I was a "Strider" in the 1960s, Harry Jerome days. John was one unique and inspiring individual.

I was saddened to learn of John's passing. I was an alternative education teacher at Britannia for 42 years. John was always very supportive of our program, Class 8J-9J, and our fantastic students. In 1995 he wrote a wonderful letter to the YWCA in support of my nomination for the Woman of Distinction Award. He was also there, with support, when I went through sad,personal traumas. I appreciated all of his support. I appreciated how much he loved Britannia and that he was proud to be an East Van kid. He was a good man who made a big difference. My condolences to his family.
Mary-Jo Campbell

John Minichiello was my "boss" for several years at Britannia Secondary School, when I was Records Clerk there. John was one of the best "bosses" I had in my 40 years in the workforce. John always demonstrated his respect for us as workers and that he valued the work we did to support Britannia.

On of my strongest memories of Track/Cross Country at U.B.C.is of John standing trackside in the rain with a stop watch, trench coat and umbrella. "C'mon only 10 more" I don't know how many times he did this for me but I have always appreciated it.

John welcomed myself and my family into the Striders in the mid 60s. It led to many interesting road trips to the Okanagan for track meets..and canvassing for his political run..and his advice on how to run 880 yards full out for 440 and then accelerate..many great memories!

John was my Social Studies teacher, counselor, and track coach at Britannia. He had a great sense of humor, and was a dedicated educator and coach.I can still picture him at the False Creek track on a cold rainy day with his big umbrella and boots, timing us as we did laps around the track. He also smartened me up and I'll never forget his brief and to the point phrase "Magistrale either shape up or ship out"-I didn't take work- outs seriously. I shaped up, and he invited me to Join the Optimist Striders, and had the pleasure of meeting and train with Harry Jerome.
I used to see him from time to time on Hastings Street, and I will sure miss him. RIP John. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and and those who were very close to him.

Very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you.
Nice to have spent some time with him last summer at your cabin.
Kathy and Dennis Jamieson

My sincere condolences to John's family. John was my coach ifor Striders Track Club and at UBC. As a newcomer to Canada, I was lucky to have John and Peter Mullins mentor me in my track career. He was very knowledgeabble and patient with a bunch of jocks. A great guy.

Mr. Minichiello was my History 12 teacher at Britannia. He was such an inspirational instructor and through his class I developed a lifetime interest in politics and current affairs. He will be missed.

Saddened to read about your passing. I remember what a great track coach you were to me at UBC in the 1950's. You and Peter Mullins were instrumental in my success. Rest in Peace John.

John and I become friends when we were in grade school at Strathcona. We also attended Van Tech but lost touch during university. In his own way, he was quite wise though he was blunt. As a coach, he could size up a person and determine the sports potential. He will be missed by his friends, especially from the track and field world.

I have been a teacher for 27 years. John was the finest educator/mentor/leader that I have had the pleasure of working with. His no-nonsense style, fantastic sense of humor and genuine love of kids will be missed. John, like my father, loved to give advice. Not offer advice - give advice. As a young teacher I quickly discovered that his counsel was almost always correct! He defended the rights of the weak, poor and downtrodden - and passionately worked to make school a safe and inclusive place for all children. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

i am deeply saddened to hear of mr. minichiello's passing. he will be greatly missed by many.