William John Illman

John was born in Uckfield, Sussex, England, to William Blaker Caffin Illman and Elsie Ethel Eleanor Ridley. In 1934, their family moved to the village of Elmer near Bognor Regis, Sussex, where his father started a poultry business from their home. His father joined the Army in 1942 and remained there until about 1947. Upon returning home, he reopened the store, but as a green grocery.

At the age of fourteen, John began helping with the business, where he mainly looked after the customers while his father tended the many gardens, but would oversee things and help out when things got busy.

In 1950, the family emigrated to Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). John worked on a Tobacco farm near Rusape for about two or three years, then worked in a Jute Mill in Umtali until 1955 (these jobs were supervising indigenous workers.)

At age 23, John returned to England and enlisted in the RAF, fulfilling his national service requirement. John decided to sign on for five years so he could work in the Aircraft Engine trade. While in the RAF, John purchased a motorcycle, which enabled him to travel on leave. He spent nearly two years at a RAF station in Geilenkirchen, Germany, but close to the Limburg, Dutch border. While working there he travelled alone, and also with a couple of fellow mates when on leave to many places of interest in Europe: Andorra in the Pyrenees to Barcelona, over the French and Italian rivieras, down to Rome, Florence, Venice, and another time with his squadron to the Island of Sylt near the Danish border in the North of Germany, This is likely when John’s love of travel began.

In 1959, John was working on an RAF station near Newquay in Cornwall, England, when one evening he attended a dance and asked a young lady, who was on holiday from Yorkshire, to dance. Maybe it was love at first sight. Over their 11-month courtship, they wrote letters to each other which had been kept, tucked into their night tables, and were discovered when we were packing up their suite in Victoria. Jean & John were married July 2nd, 1960. Together for more than 64 years, “One of the best decisions I made!” said John.

They set up home and lived in a small 20' trailer set in an orchard on Potters Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, where John worked as a tractor mechanic in the area. It was in that trailer that, one morning over breakfast, John and Jean looked at each other and said, “We need to go to Canada!” They realized that greater opportunities were abroad, and emigrated in 1963.

They sailed on the Empress of Canada from Southampton and arrived in Montreal, where they claimed their Mini, packing crates that had been shipped on the boat with them. They loaded up their Mini, with Jean holding a box on her lap, and set off through Montreal, where they heard several vehicles honking at them. Thinking they were doing something wrong. They then realized it was a spontaneous “welcome” to Canada as their Mini was displaying a UK licence plate! They continued across Canada, which included a short stay in Penticton & Victoria. They arrived in Port Alberni in the spring of 1963. Second best decision he made, said John!

John worked a few jobs delivering groceries and parcels. He then joined Bronsons, a hardware & home furnishing store, as Assistant Manager. He also delivered heating oil for the Co-Op. In 1971, he was hired by School District #70, where he worked in the custodial department. He was promoted to Working-Foreman and retired in 1992. During those years, he made many friends with co-workers and administrators. John was well-liked and made many acquaintances that turned into lasting friendships. In retirement, John made good use of his retirement gift, a Family Tree programme for his new computer. The Illman & Chamber's Family Tree has grown to over 5000 family members and ancestors! As an active member of the Genealogy club, John shared much of his knowledge and findings.

John served his community through volunteering, Meals-on-Wheels (25 years), Summer Games, City tourism ambassador, "Yellow Jackets" in the Grove, his Church, Trinity Anglican Lutheran, as a greeter and envelope secretary. He also helped with maintaining the church gardens and property.

Driven by John’s passion for family and genealogy, John and Jean visited family all around the world. On a few occasions, they met with family at reunions that he helped organize in the UK. They also travelled to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to meet more of the family.

They also travelled extensively throughout the world by sea, land and air. Crossing many destinations of their bucket list! John would have loved to cruise the Baltic, but, as he often reflected, he had a long and fulfilling life with no regrets.

John and Jean moved to Victoria in 2018, where they settled into the suite in their son’s home. We are grateful to Inge, Mary, Tristan, Kris and Christine, as well as Dr Ted Rosenberg and his home care team, all of whom were involved in making it possible for them to realize their dream of staying in their home. John died at home, in his bed with his sons present. He was at peace and welcomed death.

John was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Joan and Linda, his son Robert Scot, his grandson Tyler William (at birth), as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers-in-law. John is survived by his loving wife, Jean; sons, Bill (Keith) and Stephen; grandchildren, Jessica, Piper, and Jane (and their mother, Inge).

As per John’s request, there will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Trinity Anglican Lutheran Church, 4766 Angus St, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1S9