John Martin Tennant

January 29th, 1928 – October 4th, 2022

Our strong and compassionate John passed away peacefully with loved ones nearby.

John was predeceased on July 10th, 2019 by Joan, his cherished wife of seven decades. Their adoration for each other inspired both family and friends, and we hope that he and Joan are together again.

The youngest of five children, with his childhood during the great depression, John learned from an early age the art of perseverance and the will to succeed. Whether on the rugby pitch, the tennis court or with clients and colleagues, John always gave 100% plus. A cherished friend and trusted advisor, John was an inspiration and mentor to many. He seemed to be able to fix almost anything – whether navigating a complex corporate deal or repairing a broken chainsaw!

After graduating from the UBC Law School, John spent his career as a corporate lawyer with Lawson Lundell where he developed long lasting relationships with both colleagues and clients.

John and Joan enjoyed fishing and many other outdoor activities, travelling, music, playing bridge with friends, and so much more. John often reminisced about his time with the Kitsilano Boys Band – the little guy “Junior” carrying the big sousaphone. He also loved his time at UBC where he received a double Big Block for rugby and football.

John and Joan cherished time with family and friends. They loved to entertain, and share wonderful meals with their dear friends. Wherever they travelled, home for John and Joan was always Bowen Island. They had an endless list of projects, and were always landscaping and improving their gardens. John adored all of their golden retrievers over the years, and was full of delight when one of their dogs, Yonner, gave birth to ten puppies!.

John leaves behind his loving family – son Craig (Marion, Samantha & Bryan, Jennifer), daughter Susan Climie (David, Philip & Emma, Jillian & Jim). He is survived by his sister-in-law Ann, and many nieces and nephews. He was particularly grateful to his nephew Bob – a friend and trusted advisor.

The family is blessed to have shared their lives with John. They express deep appreciation to the incredibly caring staff at South Granville Park Lodge, along with Lourdes who was a dear friend to John.

A celebration of life for John and Joan will be planned for later in autumn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UBC Thunderbirds Men’s Rugby Endowment: https://donate.give.ubc.ca/page/68043/donate/1?transaction.dirgift=Thunderbird+Men%27s+Rugby+Endowment%20A440

As Dad prepared for his final journey in this life, a beautiful buck stood on the front bluff at Bowen, perhaps a symbol of John’s stamina and grace. “Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” Robert Louis Stevenson

Go in peace, our dear Dad, Grandad, Friend and Colleague

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountPleasantFuneral.com for the TENNANT family.