John Christian Theodore Clement

John Christian Theodore Clement was curious, playful, and compassionate. He loved to make people laugh and always expressed his gratitude. He was sensitive to injustice, and spent much of his life trying, in quiet ways, to make the world better.

John devoted most of his career to social work and counselling, first focusing on children and families, and later on drug and alcohol counselling. Over a lifetime, he pursued many interests with absolute enthusiasm: competitive swimming, water polo, judo, tropical fish, Toastmasters, personal computers and food. He also was deeply interested in First Nations culture and formed many lasting friendships with Indigenous communities. In 1983, he was bestowed with the name “Chu Chut Multh Nee” which translates into “The one who calms the water.”

Born on Christmas Eve in 1929 in Viborg, Finland, he was the eldest and only son of Henrik and Martha Clement (née Blomberg).

In 1956, John immigrated to Canada. He worked various jobs simply to make ends meet. These early experiences likely shaped his deep sensitivity to the struggles of others and helped make him an exceptionally devoted social worker.

John spent most of his life in British Columbia and worked in Abbotsford and Lillooet, and by the late 1960s, was living in Vernon. He spent the final years of his career working in Prince Rupert, where he continued to serve with dedication and quiet strength.

There were four women in John’s life. He was first married to Merion, and together they welcomed a daughter in 1958, whom they named Christina (Tina) Clement. Tina shared her father’s Nordic looks and pride in the Clement family history.

Jacqueline was his second wife, and they were married for 62 years, until his passing. Together they adopted a daughter, Catherine Clement, whom John first met when she was a ten-year-old child in his foster care. Catherine shared her adopted father’s deep curiosity in other people’s life stories.

John’s family wishes to thank the remarkable staff at Osprey Care Centre in Vernon, who treated him like a king. He loved joking with his care attendants, and they made his final years comfortable, warm, and full of kindness.

John slipped away peacefully on January 31, 2026 at age 96. He was predeceased by his sisters: Marianne, Susanne and Estelle. And he is survived by his devoted wife Jacqueline; his daughters Tina and Catherine; his sisters Helene Clement-Murch and Yvonne Allamanis; and numerous nieces and nephews in Europe and in Canada.

WC: 414