John Edwin Tanton

John was born during a snowstorm on Valentine’s day 1941, in O’Leary, PEI. He was the second born to Dr Ben and Georgie Tanton and Ben delivered John on the kitchen table in his home.

From the beginning John was a force to be seen and certainly, later, heard as well. He was a fearless leader (taking on much older bullies at school) and loyal friend to many. John earned many awards and accolades throughout his life. One of his fondest achievements was becoming a Queen’s scout and earning the coveted Bushman’s Thong award. Only a very select few will know the significance of this!!

John attended Magee High School where he developed meaningful, lifelong, lasting friendships to the end. His “Magee guys” remember many memories created at Johns beloved retreat “Tanelot”.

John attended UBC and obtained an Honours Degree in Biochemistry. It was during his second year that he met the love of his life, Barbara. She was “taken” with John’s larger than life personality, antics, and confidence. Barbara decided to ask John to a Sadie Hawkins dance at UBC, but before she could get the question out, he said “yes”. They have been together ever since, marrying on July 15, 1967.

John had many career choices in front of him, including Atomic Energy of Canada, Johnston and Johnson and PJ Industries. Ultimately a transition from the candy company allowed him to great success. He and Kyle Mitchell, his long-time schoolmate from Magee and UBC, formed the partnership Tanton Mitchell Group, an executive search firm. This partnership lasted for over 40 years and their success was written up in the 2001 November issue of the BC Business magazine.

John was heavily involved in many local groups, clubs and charities. He was the chair for many years with the United Way Campaign responsible for raising 32 million of dollars. He was also involved with the West Vancouver Fire Dept board, Lions Gate Hospital Board, Kiwanis, YMCA, YWCA just to name a few. He got a great deal of personal satisfaction from these opportunities.

Always the proud Husband, Father and Grandad, John could be heard bragging and boasting about his family any chance he could. He was so proud of all his grandchildren.

John is survived by his sisters Susan and husband George Wilson in Calgary, Leah Meeker in Qualicum, brother Ron and wife Joanne in Halifax, son Steve and Victoria, daughter Jennifer and Greg Bay and grandchildren Bella, Ryan, Jackson, Kaite, Jasmine, Hana, Kate and Lauren.

John was a powerful personality. He was a teacher and a mentor, and he was caring, compassionate and, in many ways, ahead of his time in the support of his employees in the workplace. He was an amazing Husband, Dad and Grandad. His struggle with COPD/emphysema became too much in the end and he died April 12 at home with Barbara and Jennifer holding his hands and heart and telling how much he was loved by his family.

John will always be loved and missed but never forgotten. We love you so much and are so very proud of you John/Dad/Grandad. You accomplished so very much in your life and enriched all our lives with smiles and amazingly wonderful stories. We will miss you always but will remember you every day with a smile and a laugh.

May you continue to teach, guide, mentor, advise your fellowmen.

Wherever you are now I’m sure you are gleefully telling someone about-

“ Ninenonalphyenoxypolyethoxyethanol!”

“We will never forget!”