Obituary
John Larry HARSHENIN passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born in Saskatchewan, the first of four boys to parents Larry and Florence, and the family eventually settled in Pass Creek, just outside Castlegar, BC. There, throughout his childhood and youth, John developed a love of nature, outdoor activity, physical labour and phenomenal organic gardening practices. He was a life-long vegetarian and practised “clean eating” and “clean living” prior to those terms being coined.
While working in Port Alberni in his early 20s, he met and fell in love with Marleen. In 1957, John and Marleen married and settled in Pass Creek where they built a home and started their family – welcoming Daniel, Debra and Lynn. Sadly, Marleen predeceased John in 2015.
Not long after embarking on a career in the lumber industry, which was a logical and perfect fit, a falling tree landed on John, causing a back injury that affected him for the rest of his life. This introduced him to massage therapy which inspired his lifelong career.
In 1972, John and Marleen courageously packed up their family and moved to Toronto – the only place in Canada where there was a massage therapy college at that time. Yes, comparisons have repeatedly been made between the Harshenin family arriving in urban Toronto and the Clampetts of Beverly Hillbilly fame arriving in Los Angeles!
Immediately after John’s graduation from massage school, the family returned to Pass Creek but a short time later, they packed up again and moved to Kelowna. John and Marleen’s beautiful garden and yard were forever marvelled at by neighbours and those passing by.
John enjoyed a long and satisfying career in massage therapy, helping many experience relief from discomfort and a better quality of life – and making many lifelong friends in the process. When he wasn’t working, doing yard maintenance or gardening, his favourite pastime was heading up into “the bush” to collect firewood for the family home or, because he enjoyed it so much, for others. The hours he spent in the bush and then at home cutting, splitting and stacking his beautiful firewood were pure bliss for John.
Dad was ready to say goodbye, and he did so surrounded by those who love him and recognize their good fortune to have had him in their lives. He leaves behind his three adult children, their partners, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you, Dad and Grandpa.
John influenced the lives of many people. Next time you go into your garden or anywhere in nature, take a moment to think of him. That is how he would prefer you remember him and celebrate his life.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Larry Harshenin October 24 1935

July 6 2022..

everden rust funeral services & cremation

Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique

death notice John Larry Harshenin October 24 1935

July 6 2022

mortuary notice John Larry Harshenin October 24 1935

July 6 2022