BOND, JOHN VERNON
February 23, 1937 – June 23, 2015
With his family at his side, John passed peacefully in Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, NRGH. He is survived by Eleanor, his wife of 55 years and childhood sweetheart, his three sons, Monty (Yvonne), Ward (Shannon) and Jeff (Kim). He was a proud Grampa to Sheldon, Tamara, Chantal, Jessica, Cameron, Jon and Jordan. Also survived by his brother Lloyd (Louise), nephews, nieces and a wealth of friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack Bond and Mina Bond (McLaren) and brother Donald.
Born in Roland, Manitoba, John led a full life, making the most of all that the world had to offer and always giving back. He joined the Canadian Navy in 1954 and served 25 years on both surface ships and submarines in Victoria, England, Halifax and Regina. He was a proud submariner, having served on the HMS Trump in England and HMCS Grilse on the Westcoast.
The day he retired from the Navy he began working as a Correctional Officer, mostly in the Nanaimo Correctional Centre for the next 18 years. He built his home in Qualicum Beach and enjoyed retirement with Eleanor, travelling, gardening, skiing, fishing, golfing, ancestry, politics, military history and always having a good time with friends and family.
He loved Canada and his heroes rest in Canadian War graves throughout the world. He was a member of Chief and PO’s Mess, Submariners’ Association of Canada, Goldstream Masonic Lodge, Bowser Legion, the Liberal Party of Canada and a founding member of the Mt. Arrowsmith BCGREA.
Thanks to the Nanaimo Hospital and Victoria Cancer Clinic for kind and caring treatment. A Celebration of Life will be held for John on July 14, 2015, at 2:00pm, at the Bowser Legion, Bowser, BC. Donations in his memory can be made to the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.
“Life is eternal, Love is immortal, and Death is only a horizon,
and a Horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight”
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(1.877.264.3848) in care of arrangements.