Remembering John Knox
John Lionel Knox, much-loved only child of John (Jack) and Caroline (Carrie) Knox, was born in Burns Lake, BC in April, 1940. He grew up beside Ootsa Lake until his early teens, his mother walking with him along the extensive beach-front property, while looking at pretty stones and interesting rocks. The flooding of that beautiful lake for the Kemano Project sent his devastated family south to Haney (now Maple Ridge). While he completed his Bachelor of Science, majoring in geology, at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, prospecting was always John’s favourite part of the job – whether in the wilderness or driving down the road, any road, any country!
John is survived by his wife Kay, the love of his life. Their marriage of 50 years was filled with laughter and devotion, as they worked as a team to overcome life’s inevitable difficulties, like the fire that devastated their first property near McLeese Lake. He was very fond of his many cousins who called him Magee to the end, a nickname given to him by his grandfather McNeill. Also missing him will be Kay’s Australian and Canadian relatives who gladly welcomed him into her large family.
He loved and was well-informed about the natural world, and used some of this knowledge in gardening at all three places where Kay and John spent many happy years, forming forever-friendships: McLeese Lake, Kaslo and Clearwater. While he was private, independent and a home body, John quickly decided he liked travelling once Kay got him started. As often as they could afford it, away they went by car, RV, train, plane, and cruise ships, often with some of those aforementioned friends.
He would never have admitted it, but John was a popular person. Kids were fascinated by his “giggle” and friends and family loved discussing politics and world affairs with him. Through watching TV documents and with his voracious reading habits, John learned much about past history and kept abreast of current events as well. There was never any shortage of food at the Knox house, for John love to shop for a bargain as well as cooking meals, making jams, and preserving fruit for winter taste treats. He was also “Mr. Fix-it” par excellence and a keen photographer.
Invasive cancer crept up on John quietly so it was not discovered until too late for treatment. In the end, it was a relief that he went so quickly, though such a shock for all. He died peacefully at home on September 30th, 2021.
Kay wishes to express great appreciation to: Dr. Soles, Dr. Perdue, Dr. Chi and the staff at the Clearwater Medical Clinic; Doctors Takahashi and Gabriel in Kamloops, and many other medical professionals in both Dr. Helmcken Memorial and Royal Inland Hospitals. The care and caring have been exceptional. Kay and John have been beyond grateful to their relatives, many friends and neighbours for their assistance, support and love during these tough times.
A celebration of Life will be held at Easter, 2022, restrictions permitting, close to what would have been John’s 82nd birthday. Meantime, if anyone wishes to do so, donations can be made in his name to any charity of your choosing.
Offer Condolence for the family of John Knox 1940 – 2021
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Knox 1940 –..
Death notice for the town of: Clearwater, Province: Colombie britanique