John Hague Sawyer

John was born at home in Vancouver on Sunday, July 11, 1926, and passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at Langley Memorial Hospital.

He was predeceased by his son Tommy, brother Tom, and sister Doris.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 64 years Shirley, their children Lenna (Bjorn), Leeanne (Kevin), and Tim. Grandchildren Ryan (Theresa), Mya (Rob), Jenna (Gavin), Madilynn, Sydney, Michaela, and Jared. Great grandchildren Juliet, Henry, Leo, and Ryan Thomas, as well as countless friends and former students.

John (or Jack, as his friends called him) grew up in East Vancouver, a short streetcar ride from his grandparents chicken farm. His first job (at 12 years old) was delivering race forms across Vancouver on his bicycle. He went on to drive those streetcars as a summer job while attending UBC.

After graduating from the newly established Physical Education department at UBC he soon found a teaching position at Salmon Arm High School. While there he met the love of his life Shirley, who was teaching in a one room schoolhouse at Notch Hill, 20 miles out of town.

After marriage, the newlyweds moved back to the lower mainland where John continued his teaching career at Langley Secondary School. While in Langley he became involved in the community through the Kinsmen Club and later the K-40 Club where he met many of his closest friends.

He loved his garden, where he spent many hours cultivating his giant pumpkins, colossal corn, and humongous sunflowers, many times winning awards and bragging rights among his green thumbed friends. Much fun was had by all. Also wine. Much wine was had by all. John loved his wine, which he also made himself in the basement.

He loved extended road trips, with his trailer and family in tow, exploring the entire length of Canada and into the USA on multiple occasions.

In 1972 he "discovered" Green Lake in the Cariboo where he and two friends from the K-40 Club built three wonderful lake side cabins for their families to enjoy. Two of those cabins still stand and 45 years later continue to be enjoyed by multiple generations.

After a 35 year teaching career John retired in 1985 and, with his wife Shirley, enjoyed travelling to many different destinations around the world.

In 1995 they pulled up roots in Langley and headed for drier climates in the interior. They built a new home in Kamloops where they were close to family and proceeded to forge new strong friendships with their neighbours. After 20 years in Kamloops it was time to pull up roots again and move back to Langley, again to be closer to family.

John thoroughly enjoyed and was very proud of all his grandchildren over the years and his great grandchildren have been lucky to get to know their Great Papa.

John's family would like to give great praise and many thanks to the wonderful nurses, doctors and staff on the 4th floor South at Langley Memorial Hospital who helped John through his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Langley Memorial Hospital in John's name.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Langley Funeral Home, Langley, BC.