John G. Toews

August 28, 1952 - April 24, 2024

John was born in Toronto on August 28, 1952, and passed away on April 24, 2024, after a long journey with Parkinson's Disease.

He is predeceased by his parents Vernon and Rosella Toews.

He will be lovingly remembered by is wife, Lynn, children, Heather (Andrew), Cathy, Peter (Kelsey) and grandchildren Jasper, Arlo, Arthur, and Everett.

He also leaves his brother Jim (Debi) and family Sparky and Janet (David) and family.

After early years in Wolfville N.S., Seattle and in Walla Walla he completed his BA in Physics at Whitman College then attended UBC for his teaching certificate in 1975. He took his first teaching job at Caledonia High School in Terrace. It was there he met and married Lynn and together they spent their spare time canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross country skiing, cycling, and camping.

He built a small log house with trees he felled himself. They welcomed Heather and Cathy to the family and then moved to Pitt Meadows where they welcomed Peter in 1988.

John taught Physics and Computer Science at Pitt Meadows Secondary School for 5 years. Until his retirement in 2008 he taught at Westview Secondary where his students were instructed and entertained with the many physics demonstration gadgets he invented. John was a creative, curious, and energetic person.

He loved being active outdoors, canoeing with the Voyager and Dogwood canoe clubs. He was enthusiastic about model railroading, studying languages, Contra dancing, listening to music, riding his recumbent tricycle, and travelling.

His greatest joy was his family. He adored and was proud of his children. His daylong family adventures and holiday trips were legendary. A Celebration of Life for John will take place at the South Bonson Community Centre 10932 Barnston View Rd., Pitt Meadows at 1 pm on Thursday May 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Society of BC.