It’s with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of John Carrieres on August 8, 2018. John passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a struggle with cancer. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. John was born in Ottawa and settled on Vancouver Island, ultimately building a home in East Sooke among the mountains, ocean and trees that he loved. John and his spouse, Barb Gellatly, spent many glorious days hiking mountains and scouring beaches surrounding their home. John was also active in his community, serving on many community boards over the years.
John is survived by his loving family: spouse Barb Gellatly and children Tara, Jay (Penny), Shawna (Tom), Jonathan and Daniel; grandchildren Kiah, John, McKenna and Liam; and brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank the health care team and those that cared for John in his struggle with brain cancer.
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Our brother John was a larger than life persona.He graduated from Pius Xth Seminary in Ottawa, as the youngest valedictorian ever. He went on to complete studies at the University of Ottawa.
He was equally strong in Arts and Sciences but chose Theology and Philosophy as his concentration. He went on to pursue a variety of positions , including administrative and entrepreneurial positions.
His passion was his family, followed closely by community devotion.
John was strong, loyal and dedicated.
John was the eldest in a family of six, Mary Anne (de Kergommeaux…deceased), Kathleen (Beauce), Sandra (MacEachern), Paul and Thomas. “Johnny” had an amazing zest for life, an inquisitive and critical mind from an early age. He married Cynthia (Millard) and eventually moved to BC where Tara, Shawna and Jay were born. Later John met Barbara and the two spent 17 years together in Victoria and East Sooke.
John was a generous guy…despite the moves and the separations, the family as a whole was there for him in the end. We will miss him.
Sorry to hear about John and Mary, hope you are healthy. I live in Australia now. God Bless.
Kathleen,
Thinking of you during this sad time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Anna Annunziata & Family
August 14, 2018
I only had the pleasure of meeting John at a family function. He was a brother to my brother-in-law Thomas Carrieres. Tom and Annette cared very much for John and spoke very highly of his achievements and love of his family, he will be missed.
Our heart felt condolences to his children, bothers and sisters and to all who loved him and cared for him. John is now at peace and united with his loving parents.
Theresa, David , Christopher Cowell and Family
To all John’s family , we were so fortunate to have known John over the past 25 years , first with Canada Trust, then TD Canada Trust. Last year he agreed to join our family company (Allen Vandekerkhove ) where he was not only a valuable employee but a good kind friend . He always had a sympathetic ear, a wonderful smile and kind advice.
We will all miss him and were privileged to have known him .
Hi Theresa, John loved working with your family and really wanted to get back to work. He talked about it often. Thanks for your support…Barb
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Tara. You were an awesome resource of strength and love to your dad in his last days. He would have been so proud I’m sure. Lots of love to you and your family as you move through these times of grief. I know you and I have a date with a bottle of wine soon!
Barb, Jonathan, Daniel and all of John’s family,
So sorry for your loss of John. I know these past few months have been so difficult and want to send hugs of strength and comfort to you all. We will miss John at family dinners, his famous breakfast muffins and our big family get togethers. John was an amazing support to Bruce and Audrey over these past 10 years – pitching in without any complaint. Big hugs to you Barb for losing your love of 17 years. Thinking of you and let me know what I can do to support!
John was incredibly strong and resourceful. He played an incredibly important role in caring for our parents, Audrey and Bruce Gellatly ( who passed away respectively in 2014 and 2016). John brought humour to our Gellatly clan gatherings and was known to break out in song at family gatherings. He was an incredible stepfather to Jonathan and Daniel and loving spouse to Barb. The Gellatly clan will be forever grateful for all that John contributed to our family over these past 17 years. Love and hugs from Mary, Deena, Savi and Kira.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Barb and family on the passing of our dear friend and neighbour, John. In our two short years here in East Sooke we came quickly to appreciate his warmth and friendliness.
Julie and Tony Hughes
Having grown up in Quebec, we didn’t see uncle Johnny or our family out West as much as we all would have liked, but the visits we had together were so memorable and special. I remember Uncle Johnny as being kind, having an easy smile and infectious laugh, and always having good jokes to tell. His kindness and love for fun and the outdoors clearly lives on in his children, who all seem to have those wonderful qualities as well. Sending lots of love and support to the family near and far.
It is such a great loss, undeniably. As John was the oldest cousin and because of the age difference I didn’t know him extremely well. However, I always looked up to and thought very highly of him. John was there for us children when our younger brother Gerry died that tragic Christmas morning, he came to our house with your parents and he spent several hours with us kids. I will never forget his kindness, thoughtfulness, and tenderness with us. So long ago, 1958, but such an impact. And throughout the years whenever he was in Ottawa and I was around him I always enjoyed talking to him. Go in peace older cousin you were well loved.
I sympathize for John’s family. John was someone I looked up to, I followed him to St.Pius in 1963, he was our oldest cousin. He used to come over to our place in Aylmer to work on his MG car when I was a teenager. I had the pleasure of catching up with him on Vancouver Island once, I always admired his serenity. RIP big John.
We have lost a great Commissioner and a Friend of the East Sooke Fire Department. His calm, competent and caring support helped us so much to become a better Fire Department. He will be dearly missed by all of us!
I met John two or three years ago, and we enjoyed wonderful conversations. What always stood out was his zest for life, keen sense of humour, and gentle kindness, You are deeply missed John.
Although we lived far away, I’ve always had great memories of my Uncle Johnny growing up. He always seemed to have such a positive outlook on life, was kind and always telling jokes and laughing.
I remember visiting BC as a kid and Uncle Johnny showing my younger sister Erin and I all the cherry blossoms, taking us for walks and generally just sharing his love for the outdoors with us. The last few times we had the opportunity to talk we’d often talk about me taking another visit to B.C again. Uncle Johnny will be sorely missed.
My sympathy and condolences go out to all his friends and family. Sending lots of love.
I am so blessed to have known this larger than life man. Not only did you feel Uncle Johnny’s presence because of his stature but also because you could hear his laugh and see his smile across any sized room. Although I did not have many occasions to spend time with him, I feel lucky to have met Uncle Johnny and I will never forget his laugh and smile.
I just read this and Im so sad and sorry to hear about John. I worked with John many years ago at Canada Trust/TD Canada Trust before I moved to Winnipeg. We seem to be losing most of the great old gang. Makes you realize you are not as young as you think you are. Sending condolences to the family. He will be missed!
So sorry to have found this out today. We knew John through a few East Sooke community groups. He seemed eager to help out all the time and provided a great contribution to our local fire commission as well as political events and the seniors lunch. He will be greatly missed by many in the community. Our thoughts go out to Barb and his family.