John William Christmas

John was born in Rotherham, England in 1945; he was the youngest of 5 children. He moved to BC from England when he was 18, following his brother Peter Christmas. He started out working for his brother as a brick layer's helper and stone mason. That didn't last long and then John worked for a short time as a longshoreman, and then was eventually lured into the logging industry. John started as a tree faller in Prince Rupert, BC, and he settled in Roberts Creek, BC. He lived in Roberts Creek until 1988, raising two of his daughters and son. He continued to work for the next 20 years as a faller and shake block cutter. His falling career came to an end when he had a near-fatal accident while working; he was hit by a falling tree. John did not return to falling, and followed his kids to the Kootenays, where he focused his time maintaining a hobby farm with goats, rabbits and his beloved dogs. As well, he also loved hunting, and fishing, and spending time with family. John loved animals of all kinds.

He then moved back down to the coast, to Port Alberni, BC, where he spent his last 19 years cruising the inlet and other boat projects, roaming the woods and keeping rabbits. John often spoke of the fact that he never expected to live this long. He survived rodeo riding and demolition car racing in his 20's. Many dangerous situations while falling in his 30's and 40's including having trees and branches fall on him as well as encounters with grizzly bears and wolverines. And even falling off a roof in his 50's! Not to mention a host of medical issues that didn't stop him from keeping busy and enjoying life.

John is survived by his two sisters; Margaret Spencer (Norman); Mary Parkin, in England, his four children; Karen, and granddaughters Jainylle and Myrandah, Jo-Anne (Chris) and grandsons Saxon and Orion; Shannon(Will), and grandchildren Aidan, Arlo and Addilyn; and"John" Corey (Amanda) and grandson Everett. He was predeceased by his parents; Mary and William; brother Peter; and his sister Jean in England.

John really enjoyed visits from his 8 grandchildren, and we all enjoyed hearing his stories of wildlife encounters and near- death experiences in his early days as a tree faller.

We wish to thank the wonderful palliative care support team and hospice support in Port Alberni for assisting in John's care in his last month of life.

Donations to the SPCA and Plan Canada.