John Ralph Kilcoyne

August 13, 1951 -- January 9, 2025

With much love and gratitude for the years we had with him, we announce John's passing on January 9, 2025, at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Jess and siblings Ron and Cathy.

John was born and grew up in Hamilton, ON. In his late teens he spent several years in the Caribbean running sailboats to ports along the Eastern Seaboard. Returning to Canada he worked his way westward, undertaking part-time studies at York, McGill and the U of Saskatchewan until he ended up in Victoria in 1974. He enrolled in UVic Law, where he met future wife Bonnie, and graduated with his LL.B. in 1978. After three years of articling and practising law he moved to Toronto where he completed his master's degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. In 1984 he returned to Victoria to join UVic's Faculty of Law.

In his 24 years as a law professor, John won numerous teaching awards. He loved his work and frequently expressed his immense gratitude for his students, whom he described as uniquely bright, motivated, engaged, interesting and downright fun. Supporting them academically and personally was one of the great privileges of his life.

After retiring in 2008, John indulged his passions for travel, good food and woodworking. At home, in between trips he and Bonnie made to New Zealand, Ireland, France & Spain, John could most often be found in his workshop playing with his lathe. He delighted in learning new woodturning techniques and the homes of his family and friends are filled with his many beautiful and cherished creations.

Among John's many idiosyncrasies and quirks, the ones we will most miss include his unparalleled sense of humour, his fervent belief in the importance of social justice, his daily walks at Beaver/Elk Lake, the borderline obsession with which he threw himself into any new project be it large or small, and the delight he took in a tasty meal.

No service by request. Memories may be shared at DignityMemorial.ca