John Wayne Toljanich

Rođen:07.07.1938. (East End, Vancouver, Britanska Kolumbija, Kanada)

Preminuo:11.12.2020. (North Vancouver, Britanska Kolumbija, Kanada)

Dob: 82

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of John on December 11th, at Lions Gate Hospital after a brave battle with lymphoma. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Lorraine, his loving son, Doug, and his four siblings, Tony, Camella, Donna, and Micheal.

He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Anton, his mother Marie, and his sister Mae. He will be greatly missed by his Kelowna family, and his loving family in Croatia.

John was born in the East End of Vancouver, and attended Notre Dame High School. He was the eldest of a large family, and the patriarch who helped his brothers and sisters in many areas of their lives. After graduation, he immediately started work with the City of Vancouver, starting in the Engineering Department, the Properties Department, and finally the Assessment Department.

He acquired his RIBC Diploma at UBC and retired as a senior appraiser with the BC Assessment Authority. For the last many years he enjoyed organizing the Retiree's Christmas Luncheon.

He and Lorraine were married in 1965 in Kelowna, and celebrated their 55th anniversary this past May. Doug was born in 1968, and from then on their lives were filled with work, and day to day life raising Doug, activites in Lynn Valley, and many memorable trips and cruises. Together they had numerous trips to Hawaii, Palm Desert, Europe, including Croatia to connect with family there, and a fairly recent cruise to the Caribbean. Their condo in Kelowna on the lake provided many happy summer holidays, plus annual trips to the family cabin in the Cariboo. John had many interests throughout his life, and was active in many groups and associations.

He was a professional bowler in the early years, huge football fan and supporter of the BC Lions. He spent several years as a junior football manager, then moved on to refereeing in the GSL community football league, and high-school football. He was a proud member of the BCFOA, and loved his last job as the official score-keeper for the BC Lions. He was known as Brother John in the officiating world. He was also a big hockey fan, and made sure son Doug learnt how to skate at an early age. He attended most of his hockey activities at the North Shore Winter Club.

Many good friends were made through all of the trips, social events, and the many practices and games. John had strong political ties to the Liberal party on the North Shore, and participated in several campaigns that he believed in. He enjoyed being a part of the numerous parades throughout Lynn Valley, and in latter years enjoyed riding IN the car, rather than walking behind it.

He was also a strong supporter of the Conservative Party of Canada. He was very active in his church, St. Stephen's Parish in North Vancouver, and supported many projects at the church, both physically and financially. He helped at the many social functions in the church, and worked in the kitchen after Mass with the monthly pancake breakfasts. He delivered bread for many years as an outreach project of the church, covering charities in the Downtown East Side.

John kept in touch with most of his friends, organizing high-school re-unions and other events. Most important to him were his wonderful neighbours, whom he deeply cherished. The many happy hours in the back and front yards were a high-light of his day. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but we give thanks for his full, long and happy life.

We also give heartfelt thanks to Lions Gate Hospital, and the loving care provided there by the many doctors, nurses and care-givers. Donations to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated. A small family celebration of John's life will be held in the near future.

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