John STEARNS

He has headed out in advance of his loving wife, Catherine, where he will ‘be waiting in the car.’ John will also leave a void in the lives of his much-loved children: Suzanne (Ferris), Amanda, Justine (Jacob), Robyn (John), Lee and Matt. He was proud of all of them and the grandchildren they gave him: Chiara, Connor, Caleb, and Caroline MacPherson; Ashley and Trevor Thompson; Spencer and Luna Lilley-Diaz.

John was predeceased by his parents Phyllis and Norman Stearns, and by youngest brother Tim. He is survived by eight siblings: Dave (Joanne), twin brother Jim (Betty), Mark (Mona), Lorraine (Dale), Pat (Sheila), Mike, Merry (Jack), and Norma (Rick) along with numerous nieces and nephews.

As well as extended family, John leaves a multitude of friends and acquaintances who enriched his life journey. In his final years, John was welcomed by the compassionate team at Rocky Mtn Village where he was pampered and cared for with ample patience.

In his quiet, unassuming way, John lived a life full of adventures and accomplishments. He knew many people and refused to let anyone set a limit on his abilities. He was extremely focused and surprisingly resourceful as he worked to achieve his goals. To the end, John remained uniquely ‘John’!

After obtaining his B.Comm at the U of C, John worked as an accountant in Calgary and Port Hardy before returning to an accounting position at Canadian Linen in Lethbridge. During frequent trips, he realized that the Elk Valley is where he wanted to settle. While working in accounting and insurance, John enjoyed skiing, golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, cards, dice and cycling. He participated in many triathlons and bike trips with friends. He readily shared sports equipment (and his road bike) with the girls and waved them off on their own 800km bike challenges with his best friends, Mike and Kimberley Taylor. John belonged to several clubs: Kinsmen, Lions, Eagles, Legion, and was a volunteer firefighter.

In his early thirties, John began his 29-year career as an equipment operator at Fording River. He started building his first log home in Sparwood. At forty he started building a family to fill it. He was a diligent worker, and enthusiastic homebuilder (from shacks to a minor subdivision in Montana with roads and infrastructure). John was a compassionate landlord (21 years, scores of tenants, and countless repairs), and avid coffee sipper (4 or more creams per cup). John had people everywhere he went. The Keller family in MT held a special place in his heart. Charles, along with his wife, Violet, and daughter Kathleen, adopted John as part of their family half a century ago. The coffee was always ready for his impromptu visits.

Abundant thanks to his care team: Dr. Jeffrey Radar, and especially to the many caring individuals who enriched John’s final chapter at Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honour John’s memory in simple ways: perhaps a tip to a server, hug your dog or cat, help someone in need, or by donation in John’s name to a charity of your choice.