November 7, 1930 - November 3, 2023
In loving memory ~
Born Nov 7 1930 Vancouver - Died Nov 3 2023 White Rock
In loving memory of John, who died peacefully at his care home on Nov 3, 2023, following several years of decline due to Alzheimers, the "Identity Thief". Throughout his life, he never said a bad word about anyone, and lived by Rotary International's maxim "Service above Self". John loved his family, and was relentlessly proud of his children. He was born in Vancouver in 1930, and graduated from North Vancouver High School at age 16, as the President of the Graduating Class of '47. There he met life-long best friend, Jev Tothill.
Family: In 1953, John married Pat (nee Lawrence), and they got busy creating Greg ('54), Jeff ('55), and Denise ('58). After 32 years married, they amicably divorced in '85. After some prodding by Pat, John dated, then in '87 married, Elizabeth (Bette) McKinnon and was deeply in love with her until his end, 36 years later. John proudly embraced Bette's children, Brent, Jennifer, and Neil. The family circle continued to grow to 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Home and Pastimes: John grew up in West/North Van, then in '58 moved the family to Sunshine Hills in North Delta. The summers included enjoying time on our 32' Owens cabin cruiser, exploring the coastal waters and losing fishing tackle. Then came the big change; knowing nothing about farming or rural life, in '69 John and Pat bought a 30-acre farm in Langley, raising kids, cattle, and horses. For a short time they lived in Richmond, then back out to Langley. Later John, with Bette, lived in the MacKinnon family home on Southridge in Langley, then moved to Southmere in South Surrey in '97, and lived there ever since. In the years with Bette, they travelled extensively and loved exploring the world. They loved their time at Black Mountain Ranch and later at their "home away from home" on Lake Chelan, Washington. John and Bette were proud cheerleaders at fields, ice arenas, gyms, and of course school concerts. Both loved their annual Christmas Pantomime and Disney on Ice with their grandchildren.
Career: In 1951 John started work as Horseshoe Bay Terminal Manager for Black Ball Ferries, then in '56 he joined Gearmatic, a company owned by Pat's father Frank Lawrence, and they worked together until the company was purchased by a large Seattle firm in '63. Shortly after, John and Frank created a new manufacturing company that would become LANTEC Winch & Gear, in Langley, from which he retired in '89.
Community: John was a passionate and committed community supporter, first with the Kinsmen Club of West Van, serving as President in '56. He joined the Rotary Club of Langley in '72 and served as President in '76. He then held various positions in Rotary District 5050, including Assistant District Governor and leading a group exchange to Norway. After moving to South Surrey, John joined the Rotary Club of White Rock until 2018.
John is survived by wife Elizabeth "Bette" (nee McKinnon/Mohoruk), first wife Patricia "Pat" Fleming (nee Lawrence), brother George Morfitt (Peggy), sons Greg (Ellen), and Jeff (Kellie), daughter Denise Wills (Glenn), and by step-family Brent MacKinnon (Bonnie), Jennifer Chranofsky (Vince), Neil MacKinnon (Christine).
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 2, 2024. Those wishing to be advised of the location, or wishing to participate with a memory of John, please contact Jeff Morfitt 604-329-9604 jmorfitt@telus.net
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