Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
With much sadness I announce the passing of my husband, John Bidlake, on the evening of Thursday, September 12, 2024. He “caught his final flight” peacefully, heading to Heaven. It has been a long journey, but at the end he was surrounded by the love and presence of his family. I am so relieved he is finally at peace and in the arms of Jesus, and meeting up with family and many friends who have gone before him.
John was born in Hamilton, Ontario on April 13, 1936 to Jack & Isabel Bidlake. When still a toddler they moved to Vancouver, where they both originated. Unfortunately, his parents divorced when he was very young; he was shuffled around a bit and ended up living with his maternal grandparents, whom he loved very much. His grandfather sent him to Vancouver College around grade 6; he graduated from VC in 1954 and then headed south to California. John attended San Jose State University, graduating with a B.Sc. degree in Business.
He worked in the private sector for 30+ years – mainly in the HR field. After graduation, he started with Del Monte Corporation; eventually with BC Tel for a time, then moving on to the aerospace field and then airline industry – both with Continental Airlines in LA, and CP Air – in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. John was a “people person” and loved collaborating with his staff. He could be both charming and mischievous at the same time, always with his great sense of humour.
He had real style with clothes – loved to shop, and was a loyal customer of Brooks Brothers, George Straith and W&J Wilson. John & I enjoyed playing tennis together, and later years – he enjoyed golf, especially at Uplands with our son, John.
His later years after retirement from BC Buildings Corporation in Victoria were more difficult, as he struggled with isolation, then dementia – but he was still with us to a certain degree – he knew his family and a few friends, loved music, and retained his sense of humour. We are so grateful for the wonderful, compassionate care John received from The Heights at Mount View, in particular the staff on 2W.
John is survived by his wife Joanie of 40 years (me); daughter Laura (Bob) Foose; daughter Lesley (Mike) Sikorski; and son John J. (Jessica) Bidlake; grandchildren Kyra, Bobby and Laila Foose; and half-sister, Judy (Dale) Mattson.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church; 4049 Gordon Head Road; Victoria, BC. Reception following in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Soup Kitchen, c/o St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View St.; Victoria, BC.
John – you are always loved – never forgotten.
2024
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice John BIDLAKE 2024
obituaries notice John BIDLAKE 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John BIDLAKE 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
