Giovanni (John) Battista Di Martino

It is with deep sadness we share that Johnny passed away Christmas night with his loving family at his bedside. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen, son Giovanni (Jay) and daughter Sarina (Kevin) Grandchildren Danton, Amelia and Isabelle, brother Pino and sister Sarina. He loved and adored his Niece, Tari (John), Nephew, Russell (Donna), Niece Maria and Great Nieces and Nephew. He always loved making them laugh and enjoyed every visit and phone call he had with each of them. He joins his predeceased family: Father Vito Di Martino, Mother Maria Di Martino, sister Francesca (Di Martino) Cataline, brother Andrew Cataline (Mary Jane) and his oldest brother who passed away as a baby in Sicily.

Johnny was truly a bright light in this world and touched many lives. From his infectious sense of humour to his kind and generous heart, his incredible gifts in life were making people laugh, making them feel cared for, helping many and making everyone feel valued. When he walked in a room, it didn’t take long before he had people laughing from his incredible sense of humour. He was extremely thoughtful and loving not only to those he knew but also strangers who needed help and would help anyone at the drop of a hat.

Johnny was born in Montelepre, Sicily to his parents Vito and Maria Di Martino. They left Sicily and arrived in Canada on Johnny’s 16th birthday, May 24, 1955. They settled down as a family in Abbotsford, BC where he helped his Father and Mother create and build their chicken and raspberry farm business on Huntington Road.

Johnny’s priority and love of his life was his family, especially his beloved wife, Karen. They married August 22, 1962 and settled down in Vancouver, BC where they opened up a hair salon named Giovanni’s House of Style. Johnny was an accomplished and award-winning hairdresser and stylist. In 1965 they joyfully welcomed their 1st child into world, son Giovanni (Jay) Di Martino. In November of 1970, they bought their first home in Abbotsford, BC and in 1971 they welcomed their 2nd child into the world, daughter Sarina Barbara Di Martino. Prior to Johnny and Karen moving to Vancouver, he was an accomplished meat cutter.

Johnny shifted his employment endeavours to working at Rempel Bros. Concrete. He was loved and admired by the customers he served and was often requested by regulars. He was an outstanding driver (and heavy-duty mechanic) who was known to efficiently and safely get into the most challenging job sites and was nicknamed “Go anywhere John” He took great pride in the work he did and how he served his customers and it showed. He won awards through the company including Driver of the Year and Employee of the Year.

When he wasn’t working, he was spending time with his beloved family hosting the best family barbeques and dinners filled with incredible Sicilian food he’d cooked and served with much love and loads of laughter. Johnny was incredibly creative and enjoyed designing and crafting beautiful pieces of furniture, painting, sculpting, gardening and could be found having a great time with family and friends at picnics or the riverbanks fishing. Seasonally he would travel to the Pink Mountains along the Alaska Highway with his brother and friends to hunt for Moose to provide for his family. One of his last hunting trips was to Sheridan Lake, BC which he was thrilled to spend time with his beloved son Jay and brother Pino.

We would like to sincerely thank the outstanding staff at Jackman Manor, Aldergrove, BC who took incredible care of Johnny during his stay with them and made him feel loved, appreciated and adored. He thought of all of them as family.

For arrangements Johnny did not want a service but in the months to come, our family intends to plan and host a Celebration of Life sometime in 2023 either in the early Summer or Fall. Location, date and time to be announced.

Our family would like to thank all of you for the love you’ve shown us during this most difficult time. The stories of how Johnny has impacted you and the warm memories you’ve shared with us have been precious gifts that we hold closely to our hearts, they mean a great deal to us.

Johnny and Karen’s song was, “Always” and it something they would say to one another each and every single day when they would tell each other they loved one another. They would say, “I love you, Always.”

Until we hug again, we will miss and love you Always Dad. You were the best Husband, Father, Father in Law, Grandfather, Son, Uncle, Great Uncle, Godfather and friend we could have ever been blessed to have. Thank you for blessing each one of us with your love, compassion, humour and kind heart. You leave behind an incredible Legacy that will live throughout all of us. You impacted so many people in your life. You showed so much strength and grace. The world was better place with you in it.

Children’s happiness and well being were very important to both Johnny and Karen. The family has requested that in Lieu of flowers and cards to please make a donation “In Loving Memory of Giovanni Battista (John) Di Martino” to: The Ronald Mc Donald House of British Columbia & Yukon. Donations can be made online at: rmhbc.ca/donate or you can call and donate at 1-604-736-2957.

Thank you

A Letter from Heaven

When tomorrow starts without me,

and I’m not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find your

eyes filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,

the way you did today.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you,

And each time you think of me.

I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart

For every time you think of me,

I’m right there in your heart.