Obituary
John Colbourne passed peacefully, with his family by his side, on March 9, 2022. John leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Bev; children, Darren (Sarah) of Surrey, BC, Alison (Kevin) of Coaldale, AB and Brian (Kimberly) of Penticton, BC; grandchildren, Dilon, Alicia, Jason and Katie; cousins, Peggy and Eleanor.
John and Bev were High School sweethearts in Vancouver and married in 1965.
He worked for McKenzie Barge and Derrick on the tugboats and was one of the first ones on scene when the Iron Worker’s Bridge collapsed in June, 1958. He pulled several men to safety. Eighteen bridge workers drowned that day.
He returned to school at Vancouver Tech to become a Mechanical Engineer and had a long career with Woodwards Department Store.
John was a Member of the NDP since he was 21 years old. He was always so proud to wear his Tommy Douglas t-shirt! And he volunteered in many positions over the years.
He was President of Minor Hockey in Penticton for several years and was always involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s sports, up early to take them to hockey, soccer, etc. President of Labour Council, member of United Way and always involved in organizing Labour Day picnics, barbecues, dances, softball games and other social activities.
John and Bev enjoyed playing softball and, later in life, golf and curling. You could always find John walking his dog up Carmi or by Penticton Creek. They enjoyed camping with family and travelling throughout BC and across Canada and the U.S. They also spent time in Mexico and cruised to many places in the world.
At this time no service is requested. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s memory to the SPCA at spca.bc.ca., the Red Cross at www.redcross.ca or a charity of your choice.
To send flowers to John’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Maurice Colbourne May 14 1940 March 9 2022 (age 81)..
Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique