John Robert Pennington

Vancouver, BC - John Robert Pennington, known to many as Pop, John-boy, Johnny, Uncle John, or 'ol Blue Eyes, passed away peacefully at age 87. Born in Vancouver, John grew up in a tiny apartment above a drugstore at 3rd & Commercial. His first job was delivering telegrams and prescriptions, while still in elementary school. As a lineman for BC Tel, he strung cables and installed telephones throughout the province.

Throughout his life, John left impressions on many, driving Expo86 tour buses and HandyDART. Ever the entrepreneur, he ran several companies, from vending machines to potting soil. A member of the False Creek Yacht Club, he loved boating, was a handyman extraordinaire, and above all, a man whose love language was acts of service. His Oceanbrook friends can attest they could rely on him to set up the apartment lobby tree every Christmas. Constantly helping family and friends with home improvements, like moving trampolines and assembling bunk beds, or meticulously washing cars and mowing lawns, John showed his love in the most practical, heartfelt ways.

A true jack-of-all-trades, John's career was as varied as his stories were endless. Most of his tales would begin, "Back when I was a little girl," entertaining us with details of his outrageous adventures. Favorite sayings iconic as he was: "eight, skate, and donate!" was often shouted to rally family and friends, while "the sun will burn off those clouds by noon" was his optimistic take on life's rainy days. And then there was the fictitious character "George McConachie" often blamed in his tall tales, told with that signature, mischievous grin.

The undisputed king of Rummoli, John loved a good poker hand and made up his own game rules. He would start any party by being the first to light up the dance floor. His talents included speaking like Donald Duck, whistling loud enough to summon a search party, and swimming underwater further than anyone. His fancy jive dancing footwork and dashing good looks landed him on the podium at the Mr. Millennium contest. John loved summers at Cultus Lake, horseshoe tournaments in the backyard and making friends everywhere he went. An avid golfer, he was only "one putt from a pro career".

John leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia; his proud children, Nadine, Jeff, Maureen, and Erin; cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Frances, Henry, Zoë, Heather, Diana, Elizabeth, Jana, Matthew, and Spencer; great grandchildren, extended family including Kai and Brian Posterski, and many beloved nieces and nephews who will remember him as their fun Uncle Johnny. John was pre-deceased by his siblings and their spouses, Jim & Grace Pennington and June & Dave Irvine.

Our family is extremely grateful for the excellent palliative care team at Lions Gate Hospital. In lieu of flowers, consider helping a friend, calling a loved one, or raising a glass and say "ciao, ciao". Celebrate John with us at 2pm on August 20 at False Creek Yacht Club (1661 Granville Street, Vancouver).