John Harling

Born June 14, 1944 in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England

Passed Aug 16, 2026 in Kelowna, BC, Canada

John was a dedicated husband, father, friend, adventurer, and professor.

John grew up in Carlisle, Cumbria, England where he could commonly be found exploring the nearby Lake District National Park as a youth and young man. John also explored and climbed the nearby alps of Switzerland, mountains of Scotland and more. He graduated from Durham University with BSc (Hons), a further teaching diploma, and then moved, at 24 years old, to Canada to earn his PhD at Simon Fraser University. It was there that he met his future wife, Donna, as she worked in the Biological Sciences department of SFU. John and Donna married in 1970. After living in Nelson, BC and John working as an associate professor at Notre Dame University of Nelson, they relocated to Kelowna in 1978 where Dr. John Harling became a professor and taught both biology and health sciences at Okanagan College, then Okanagan University College and finally retiring with UBC Okanagan. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna, son Sam (Tania), son Matt (Katie) and four beautiful granddaughters: Loryn, Lenyx, Amelia and Madison, also his nephews Mark and Neil, and niece Helen.

John had many health issues in recent years. Over the past 10 years, he was extremely grateful to attend the Apple Valley Adult Day Service, in Kelowna. John always spoke so highly of the program and how much he appreciated it, the staff there, and the drivers of Handy Dart that were so kind and helpful getting him to and from the program.

John was always a kind and generous man and instilled those values in his family and those that spent time with him. He was constantly learning and loved intellectual discussions with people.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either of the following, Kidney Foundation of Canada or Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

A Celebration of Life will held from the Chapel of First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299