

Peter John passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2017 in his hometown of North Vancouver at the age of 90.
Born in 1927, Pete attended Brittania High School in 1941 and North Van High School from 1941-45. After graduating high school, he worked at the North Van Shipyard and Lions Gate Mills until 1948. Through this time, he developed into a tenacious sportsman, participating in Track and Field, Rugby and Soccer, including the “All Blacks” where he played 19 seasons beginning at the age of 15.
A graduate of Normal School in 1949, he began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse at Upper Fraser, BC. Physical Education and mathematics were his preferred subjects, but his organized nature and strong work ethic ensured commendable results in all areas. He organized the first track meet sports day for the grade 1-8 students at schools around the community.
1955-1957 he taught in Williams Lake and developed programs for softball, basketball, soccer and social dance.
Returning to North Vancouver in 1957, he taught and coached at Sutherland Secondary School where he established the North Shore Track and Field Meet that still exists today.
At this point, he was also married, had 4 children and worked summers as a lifeguard and at local sporting goods stores as teachers didn’t receive a salary during the summer months.
In 1961, he became a school administrator and continued to teach and coach at Cleveland, North Star, Highland and Eastview Schools where he coached basketball and track & field and was a key influence in the development of the Vancouver & District sports competitions for elementary and secondary schools.
Also during this time, the family had grown to 5 children and he was a member of the Kinsmen and K-40 (co-founder) clubs.
Upon retirement in 1984, he continued to coach basketball for several more years and participated with the following groups: Harry Jerome Complex Advisory Committee, North Vancouver Sports Council, North Vancouver Retired Teachers’ Association (co-founder and 1st President), Pacific Indoor Bowls Association and North Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club.
Lawn Bowling became his new passion, participating as a player, greens keeper, coach, committee member, umpire, club president and as a Vancouver & District committee member. He loved to compete (and win), but also promoted social play and included newer bowlers in competitive events, challenging their skills and building a sense of belonging.
In 2012, the three North Shore Municipalities awarded Pete the Lifetime Community Sport Contribution Award for his seven decades of community service.
Predeceased by his wife, Muriel and sons, John and George.
Survived by his children, Marion, Mona (Sandi), Peter (Jessie), grand and great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 27th, 2:00pm at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver, 604 980-3451. Bowlers: whites and team colors welcome.
Flowers gratefully declined in lieu of donations to a charity that is near and dear to your heart.
Dad, we love you and miss you.
Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, North Vancouver, BC.
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