John (Jack) Dudley Rochon

It is with great sadness that the family of John "Jack" Dudley Rochon announces his passing on January 23, 2025, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born on November 3, 1943, Jack was the youngest of three children born to Louis and Freda Rochon. Jack grew up in Cedar, Port Alberni, and Crofton.

Jack's love story with Alana, the love of his life, began many years ago, and together they shared a beautiful life full of love and laughter with their two children: Mike and Jackie. After 49 years of marriage, Jack's heart broke when Alana passed away after a brave battle with cancer. Though life without her was never the same, Jack carried on with the same quiet strength and dignity that she had always admired.

Jack was a dedicated worker, spending 37 years at the Crofton Pulp and Paper Mill as an instrument man, where his technical skill and unwavering commitment to his work earned him the respect of his colleagues. After retirement, Jack couldn’t sit still for long and began a second career as a consultant for Idcon, lending his expertise to both union and company contract negotiations. He relished the challenges and was proud of the many successes he achieved in this second chapter of his career.

But perhaps one of Jack's greatest passions in life was hockey. His vibrant coaching career spanned over 25 years, and his influence on the sport was felt far and wide. Jack’s coaching legacy is highlighted by leading the CKAY Pee-Wee Capitals to a provincial championship in 1983. He also had the honor of traveling to Czechoslovakia as an assistant coach for Team Canada in a junior tournament—an experience he spoke about with great pride. Jack also scouted for the Victoria Cougars and New Westminster Bruins of the WHL for many years, and though he was offered a job as a scout with the Washington Capitals of the NHL, he chose to stay at the mill (where, as he put it, the paycheck was much better).

Jack's impact on the sport wasn’t just about victories; he was a coach who understood that hockey was about more than just the game. He shaped young athletes into better people, instilling lessons of teamwork, discipline, and respect. His contributions to hockey were recognized when he was twice named BC Coach of the Year, and his dedication earned him a spot in the Cowichan Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Jack’s legacy will live on through the countless players whose lives he touched over the years.

Jack leaves behind his two children, Mike and Jackie, and a proud line of six grandchildren: Trevor (Gloria), Carson (Annie), Tyler (Krista), Russell, Dayton (Jessica), and Kiera (Devon). Jack was also a great-grandfather to eight—Ashton, Dax, Hayden, Harlo, Charlie, Chance, Capri, and River—and took immense pride in watching his family grow.

Jack was a man of deep character, one whose kindness, integrity, and humility touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private family service will be held, with a celebration of Jack’s life to follow at a later date.

Rest in peace, Jack—your legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved you, in the players you coached, and in the many lives you changed for the better. Keep your stick on the ice.